46. Ratites Bird Group - Rheiformes Rhea

Ratites

Taxonomists group several orders of large flightless birds under the term ratite. The word refers to the flat, raft -like shape of the sternum, which lacks the keel shape typical of the breastbone of flying birds. The greater rhea (Rhea americana) is a flightless bird found in eastern South America. Other names for the greater rhea include the grey, common, or American rhe. One of two species in the genus Rhea, in the family Rheidae, the greater rhea is endemic to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It inhabits a variety of open areas, such as grasslands, savanna or grassy wetlands. Weighing 50-55 pounds (23-25 kg), the greater rhea is the largest bird in South America. In the wild, the greater rhea has a life expectancy of 10.5 years. It is also notable for its reproductive habits, and for the fact that a group has established itself in Germany in recent years.