Rheidae Collection

Greater rhea (Rhea americana) nest with many eggs, at edge of arable field. Patagonia, Argentina. October

A Lesser or Darwins Rhea standing in its nest with two eggs, London Zoo
2561120 A Lesser or Darwins Rhea standing in its nest with two eggs, London Zoo, May 1914 (b/w photo) by Bond, Frederick William (1887-1942)

Lesser rhea (Pterocnemia pennata) altiplano, Bolivia September

Emu, rheas and kangaroos at Tring Park
Live animals collected by Walter Rothschild in the grounds of Tring Park, with keeper Mr Marcham, 1890 Date: 1890

Emu and rheas at Tring Park
Rheas from South America and Emus from Australia are examples of the flightless ratite birds kept by Walter Rothschild at Tring Park

Rhea by Gambier Bolton
Rhea photogrpaph by Gambier Bolton, F Zs 354, held at The Natural History Museum at Tring

Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) adult male, standing, Torres del Paine N. P. Southern Patagonia, Chile, November
Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) adult male, standing, Torres del Paine N.P. Southern Patagonia, Chile, November

Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) adult male with chicks, feeding, Torres del Paine N. P. Southern Patagonia, Chile, November
Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) adult male with chicks, feeding, Torres del Paine N.P. Southern Patagonia, Chile, November

Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) two adults, with Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in foreground, Torres del Paine N. P
Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennata) two adults, with Guanaco (Lama guanicoe) in foreground, Torres del Paine N.P. Southern Patagonia, Chile, November

Side view of a Greater Rhea, a large, flightless bird, with head in profile, showing the feathers on the head, face and neck, loose, shaggy wing feathers, strong legs and short, thick toes

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The Rheidae family, consisting of the Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) and Lesser Rhea (Pterocnemia pennata), is a fascinating group of flightless birds found in South America. These magnificent creatures are known for their unique nesting habits and striking appearances. In Patagonia, Argentina, a Greater Rhea nest can be seen at the edge of an arable field. This nest is filled with numerous eggs, showcasing the reproductive prowess of these birds. Similarly, at London Zoo, a Lesser or Darwin's Rhea proudly stands in its nest with two precious eggs. Venturing to Bolivia's altiplano region in September reveals the captivating sight of a Lesser Rhea roaming freely. Its presence adds charm to this already picturesque landscape. Tring Park offers an even more enchanting experience as Emus and rheas coexist harmoniously within its boundaries. Photographer Gambier Bolton captures the essence of these remarkable creatures through his lens. His stunning images showcase both Greater and Lesser Rheas in all their glory – from walking along with chicks in Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul to standing tall amidst Torres del Paine National Park's breathtaking scenery in Southern Patagonia, Chile. These large flightless birds possess distinctive features that set them apart from other avian species. A side view highlights their shaggy wing feathers, strong legs, short but robust toes, and intricate feather patterns on their head and neck regions. Moreover, Rheas often share their habitat with other iconic South American animals like Guanacos (Lama guanicoe). The image capturing two adult Rheas alongside a majestic Guanaco foregrounds the diversity present within Torres del Paine National Park. From nesting behaviors to nurturing young ones and interacting with fellow inhabitants of their environment – each aspect showcases why Rheidae holds such allure among nature enthusiasts worldwide.