Greek goddess, one of the Titans. Daughter of Uranus and Gaea, she married her brother Cronus, who swallowed all their children except Zeus, whom Rhea concealed. Zeus then overcame Cronus and restored his siblings. Either of two ostrich-like species of South American three-toed ratite birds (family Rheidae). The common rhea (Rhea americana) is about 4 ft (120 cm) tall and weighs about 50 lbs (20 kg). It has luxuriant plumage, brown or gray above and whitish below. Darwin's rhea (Pterocnemia pennata) is smaller and has white-tipped brownish plumage. Rheas live in open country, often among grazing animals, and run from predators. They eat a wide variety of plants and animals. Both species are listed as endangered
larger of two tall fast-running flightless birds similar to ostriches but three-toed; found from Brazil to Patagonia smaller of two tall fast-running flightless birds similar to ostriches but three-toed; found from Peru to Strait of Magellan fertility goddess in ancient Greek mythology; wife of Cronus and mother of Zeus; identified with Roman Ops and Cybele of ancient Asia Minor