Rhea americana albescens

(Lynch Arribálzaga & Holmberg, 1878)

Vernacular names
English : Greater rhea
French : Nandou d’Amérique

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Rheiformes
Family : Rheidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known

Identification
Largest rhea species, reaching a size of 140 cm for a weight of 25 kg. Long and powerful grey legs. Flightless, relatively short wings. Plumage is shaggy and grey. Lower neck is black for males, black cap, rest of plumage grey-beige.

Range and habitat
South America, from north Peru and north-east Brazil to central Argentina. Subspecies occurs in Argentina, south of Rio Negro. Found in open woodlands, pampas and areas with tall vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has been decimated for skin trading and hunting for meat in the past. Hunting still happens today but main problem is now loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation

 

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