Darwin’s rhea is the smaller of the two existing species of rhea. It closely resembles an ostrich and is therefore sometimes called the “ostrich of South America.” It cannot fly, but it can run at remarkable speeds — up to 60 km/h.
Darwin’s rheas live in groups of 5–30 individuals. During the breeding season, however, the males become highly territorial and guard their own areas.
When a male has attracted between two and twelve females to his territory, he performs a courtship dance. If his display is successful, he mates with the females and leads them to his nest, where each lays her eggs.
It is the male alone who incubates the eggs and raises the chicks.