Rhea Facts For Kids. Fun Information About Rheas

Rheas are large flightless birds that live in the grasslands and scrublands of South America. These impressive birds are designed with powerful legs that let them run up to 40 miles per hour to escape predators. Rheas look similar to ostriches but are smaller and have three toes on each foot instead of two.

There are 2 species of rheas and they live in groups of up to 30 birds. Male rheas are caring fathers who build the nest, incubate the eggs from multiple females, and raise all the chicks by themselves. Rheas eat plants, seeds, insects, and small animals, and they can swim across rivers when needed!