Rhea \Rhe"a\, n. [L., a proper name.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of three species of large South American ostrichlike birds of the genera {Rhea} and {Pterocnemia}. Called also the {American ostrich}. Note: The common rhea, or nandou ({Rhea Americana}), ranges from Brazil to Patagonia. Darwin's rhea ({Pterocnemia Darwinii}), of Patagonia, is smaller, and has the legs feathered below the knee.