Greater Rhea: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Birds That Walk · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. Built for speed and stamina, one greater rhea was seen running at over 60 km/h in front of a car.
2. When chased, it runs off in a zigzag, raising one wing and then the other.
3. Rhea dads do all the babysitting. One male's nest can hold up to 80 eggs from a dozen mothers.
4. Eggs in one nest may be laid up to two weeks apart, yet they all hatch within 36 hours of each other.
5. It swallows pebbles to help grind up tough plants. It is drawn to shiny things and sometimes gulps down metal objects by mistake.

The quiz

1. How fast was one greater rhea seen running in front of a car?

• About 10 km/h
• Over 60 km/h (correct)
• Exactly 20 km/h
• It cannot run, only walk

One rhea ran at over 60 km/h in front of a car.

2. What does a rhea do with its wings when it runs away?

• Folds them tightly shut
• Flaps both to take off
• Raises one wing, then the other (correct)
• Hides its head under one

It zigzags while raising one wing and then the other.

3. Who sits on the eggs and raises the rhea chicks?

• The father (correct)
• The mother
• Both parents in turns
• No one, chicks look after themselves

Males incubate the eggs and care for the chicks on their own.

4. Eggs laid up to two weeks apart all hatch within how long?

• A full month
• One week
• Ten days
• 36 hours (correct)

Every egg in the nest hatches less than 36 hours apart.

5. Why does a greater rhea swallow pebbles?

• To sink when swimming
• To build its nest inside
• To help grind tough food (correct)
• To get salt

Pebbles help it grind down tough plant food.

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