Day #10 (1/17/2014) Greater Rhea
We headed to the grasslands of Brazil to meet a relative of the ostrich. We were very excited, but we are getting tired and are ready to head back to HQs. Edmond’s oat and hay stew is yummy, but not after 3 nights. Hahaha! We found one last guide to take us out to meet a large flightless bird! We also saw a giant anteater out on the grasslands! We love anteaters and the Common Rhea!
- Their range and habitat: East-Southeast South America/ desert, grassland
- Their length/weight: 3-5 ft/33-66 lbs Their status: near threatened
- They are omnivores (seeds, plants, fruits, lizards)
- Greater Rheas are large flightless birds.
- They have 3 toes.
- They live in groups.
- Greater rheas are grey/brown in coloration. The males are darker.
- Males do an impressive wing display during mating season.
- Male greater rheas take charge of the incubation of the egg.
What a wonderful afternoon! We watched a flock eat and rest and peck around! We even saw a male flapping his wings at some ladies. Breeding season must be coming soon! Too bad we will miss it. We’re packing up camp and have to run to catch the E&E plane back to HQs! Look for our new feature- University of E&E and Science Word of the Week on Sunday!
-Ellie and Edmond
The Adventures of Ellie and Edmond 
What an intriguing bird! We’re wondering, what do the females do while the males are on the nest? (Podge secretly hopes that they go shopping.)
Hehehe! They might be shopping :)!