Nandu at Herberstein Wildlife Park

A bird that can't fly

Nandus are the flightless birds of South America. Although nandus have the longest wings of any flightless bird, they are still unable to fly. Their wings are used only for courtship or for steering when they need to make sharp turns during their rapid flight, which can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. Their large body mass and poorly developed chest muscles prevent them from taking flight.

In addition, the nandu's feathers hang down loosely, like hair. This prevents the formation of an air cushion that would propel the birds skyward. However, they do serve as protection against heat and cold.

Did you know?

Egalitarianism reigns among the rheas! Several hens lay all their light yellow eggs in a single large nest—which can hold up to 60 eggs. A single rooster eventually incubates them and is solely responsible for raising the chicks.