Argentina: Greater Rhea or Nandu
As we crossed the vast expanse of northern Argentina – Formosa Province or Chaco border area of Argentina and Paraguay – we drove through green wetlands and grasslands, flat as a board and extending to horizon. And we spotted a very large group of nandu aka greater rheas – the South American equivalent of flightless ostriches. Nandu weigh about 25kg and can run at speeds up to 60 kmh. Unlike ostriches they have three toes and can also use wings to change direction drastically while running. Nandu also have sharp claws on the wings, vestiges from the dinosaur times. The group we spotted was larger then usual – probably upwards of 40 individual with a lot of young ones – observing and watching us as we photographed and watched them. And then they all took off running.
