Rheidae is another name or scientific nomenclature of a bird family also known as rheas, which are sometimes also known as ratites. They are flightless birds, native of South American regions. There are two known species, namely the ‘Greater’ or ‘American Rhea’, and the ‘lesser’ or ‘Darwin’s Rhea’. Rheas are huge, and they usually have grayish brown feathers. The greater Rhea is the more widespread of the two species, ranging from eastern Brazil south to central Argentina. In addition, they have extended legs and elongated necks, comparable to those of an ostrich. Their wings act like sails while they are running, and as opposed to most birds, they have only three toes

Usually, rheas are silent birds for the most part, with the exclusion of young chicks, or the males during moments they are seeking to mate. During times outside of the breeding season, rheas may form flocks of up to one hundred birds. When they sense a threat, the rheas escape in a zigzag-like movement, making use of their wings to create the zigzag effect. When the breeding season comes, the flocks break up and each rhea goes his way.

Rheas are known to feed on plants, but they also eat grains, tubers, fruits, small insects, small animals and carcasses of dead, rotting animals. During nesting season, the males often compete for territories. Once the territory is established, each male tries to attract groups of females by running fast towards the females with extended wings. The moment a good number of females is assembled, the male displays his prowess with sounds and dance-like movement. After intercourse, the male takes the hen to a nest which he has prepared, and there the female lays her egg. The male can court from two to twelve females.

Male rheas usually incubate from between ten to sixty eggs. The male utilizes a system whereby he places some eggs outside the nest as sacrifice to predators, so that the predators would not try to get into the nest. At times, and if necessary, the male may utilize another younger male to help in incubating the eggs, while he goes to find other ways of starting another nest. The rhea chicks are known to hatch thirty six hours apart from each other. The females, on the other hand, may move on and mate with other males at this point. While looking after the young rhea chicks, the male rheas will usually attack any oncoming danger that may approach the chicks, as well as hen rheas. The young rheas are known to reach full adulthood in a period of about six months, but they do not get to breed until they reach the age of two years.

In conclusion, rheas are known to have various benefits in Southern America. For example, their fluff is used in manufacturing dusters, and their skins are used for making cloaks or leather. On the other hand, their meat is a common and favourite staple food to many South American people.