Showing posts with label Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata). Show all posts

Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) Information

Darwin's Rhea

Darwin's Rhea, Rhea pennata, also known as the Lesser Rhea, is a large flightless bird, but the smaller of the two extant species of rheas. It is found in the Altiplano and Patagonia in South America.

Description

It stands at 90–100 cm (35–39 in) tall. Length is 92–100 cm (36–39 in) and weight is 15–25 kg (33–55 lb). It has larger wings than other ratites, enabling it to run particularly well. It can reach speeds of 60 km/h (37 mph), enabling it to outrun predators. The sharp claws on the toes are effective weapons. Their plumage is spotted brown and white, and the upper part of their tarsus is feathered.

Darwin's Rhea
 image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7326810@N08/

Darwin's Rhea
image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevenlaw/