It is the largest bird of South America. It is a so-called flightless bird that weighs about 25 kg. It belongs to the subclass of runners, which also includes the African ostrich (a large flightless bird of Africa) or the brown emu (a large flightless bird of Australia). Despite the inability to fly, it has relatively large wings that serve as an aid for faster running or a rudder when changing direction. At the same time, he uses them to lure the female or, on the contrary, to intimidate the opponent. It inhabits the steppes and savannas of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay. The South American steppes are called pampas, and therefore the generic name "pampas" is derived from the environment it most often inhabits. It usually nests in humid areas, and its occurrence has also been recorded in salt marshes.  

Adults of nandu species feed on seeds, leaves and fruits, occasionally insects and smaller vertebrates (birds, snakes). The young feed mainly on insects, due to the high protein content they need during development.  

Nandu are social species, forming groups of up to 30 individuals. During the nesting season, the male mates with several females. Males are territorial and fight for their territory with other males. The male builds the nest. Females lay eggs in a joint nest on the ground, the male continues to take care of them. There can be up to 30 eggs in total. The chicks are led by the male until they are 6 months old, and the female joins them later.