Rhea Nandu

Rhea (Nandu)

Discover the flightless giant of South America’s grasslands and plains.

What you need to know about the Rhea (Nandu)

The Rhea, also known as Nandu, is a large, flightless bird native to the grasslands and open plains of South America. Resembling a smaller ostrich, it can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) in height and sprint at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph), making it one of the fastest running birds on the continent.

Rheas are social and curious, often seen in small flocks grazing on grasses, seeds, and fruits. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems, helping to disperse seeds and maintain grassland health. With long legs, powerful feet, and keen eyesight, they are well-adapted to detect predators in open landscapes. Observing a rhea in its natural habitat provides a fascinating glimpse into the unique wildlife of the Pampas, Patagonian steppe, and Andean foothills.

Interesting facts about Rhea (Nandu)

Scientific name: Rhea americana (Greater Rhea), Rhea pennata (Lesser Rhea)

Size & speed: Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall, weighing 20–40 kg, can run up to 60 km/h (37 mph)

Habitat: Grasslands, pampas, shrublands, and open plains in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile

Diet: Omnivorous - feeds on plants, seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates

Reproduction: Males incubate eggs in communal nests; chicks are precocial and able to run shortly after hatching

Behavior: Social and curious, often found in small flocks foraging together

Ecological role: Helps disperse seeds, control insects, and maintain grassland ecosystems

Observation tips: Best viewed in open plains or grasslands during early morning or late afternoon

Highlights where the Rhea (Nandu) can be seen

Patagonie : Parc Torres del Paine, 5 raisons de ne pas le louper !
Patagonian Fauna

In the far reaches of South America, Patagonia pulses with life both fierce and fragile. With Viventura, you’ll journey through wide steppes, ice-bound peaks, and coastal cliffs—on the lookout for the creatures that make this land unforgettable.

What we like about Patagonia’s wildlife is its drama—from pumas stalking silently through Torres del Paine to Magellanic penguins waddling along wind-swept beaches. And above it all, the mighty Andean condor circles like a shadow of myth.

Our small group tours put you in the right place at the right time—sunrise in the pampas, quiet coves echoing with sea lions’ calls, or silent trails that reveal fox tracks in the dust. With expert local guides and Viventura’s thoughtful planning, you’ll experience nature’s rhythm without disturbing its peace.

Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine national park

The Torres del Paine National Park is located about 112 km north of the small city of Puerto Natales in the Chilean Patagonia. Chile's most spectacular National Park is under protection by UNESCO since 1978 to preserve the natural treasure it contains. Torres del Paine is known for its vast hiking trails with mountain huts located on the most remote places, fascinating icebergs, glaciers, turquoise lakes as well as numerous rivers and waterfalls. The park is also home to a wide variety of wild animals like the Guanacos, Darwin's Rheas, Gray foxes, Cougars, and of course the Andean Condor. One of the most iconic sites of the park are "las Torres", three great granite towers embedded in the Paine mountain range. These magnificent peaks are what the park took its name from, and it is known by travelers all over the world. Thanks to the unpredictable Patagonian climate, no day is like the one before and it's not uncommon to experience sun, wind, rain, and maybe snow in one single day. A visit to the Torres del Paine National Park is truly a paradise for nature lovers and photographers with breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Our trips to spot the Rhea (Nandu)