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 rhea;
ñandú (
Guaraní); or
ema (
Portuguese). 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 , 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. The species is listed as
Near Threatened by the IUCN.