Emu Facts

Ostrich Facts

Rhea Facts

Other Fun Facts

Ratites: All of the birds you’ve read about here are part of the ratite family. There are only five species around the world. The Cassowary, Emu, Ostrich, Rhea, and Kiwi.

Interesting Facts: The Cassowary from Australia and New Guinea is the most colorful of the ratites. It is also the only frugivore, meaning it eats only fruit!

Cassowary or Casanova?: The cassowary has a large horn like growth called a casque on it’s head. They are thought to attract mates.

Location: Native to Argentina and Brazil, in South America

Little Bird, Big Egg: The smallest of the ratites is the kiwi from New Zealand. Kiwi are chicken-sized, shy, and nocturnal. Kiwi are notable for laying eggs that are very large in relation to their body size.

Stats: A mature rhea can reach up to 6 feet and weigh 80-100 pounds!

Strange But True: The rhea can kick with a force of 800 pounds per square inch. That’s like being knocked out by Mike Tyson!!

How Do You Like your Eggs?: After the female ratite lays her eggs, the male sits on the nest and incubates the eggs. One nest may hold as many as 60 eggs! The male will often roll some of the eggs outside the nest as decoys so that predators won’t bother their nest.