In South America, rheas are called “nandu guazu,” which means big spider.

Female rheas will lay one egg every other day for up to 10 days.

Females will often share a nest and put as many as 50 eggs in a single nest!

The male designs the nest, incubates the eggs for six weeks, and cares for newly-hatched chicks.  They will also plant decoy eggs outside the nest to lure predators away.

They are opportunistic eaters and will graze on fruit, seeds, plants, lizards, insects, birds, and sometimes even small game!

Rheas destroy many crops throughout South America and are considered pests.