Nandu

Nandu is a term with multiple uses in different regions. In South America, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese, nandu is a common name for the rhea, a large flightless bird. The genus Rhea includes two living species: the greater rhea (Rhea americana) and the lesser rhea (Rhea pennata). Nandu in Portuguese often refers to the greater rhea. Rheas are native to open grasslands and savannas of the continent, where they roam in large, land-based territories. They are tall birds with long legs and necks, typically gray-brown in plumage, and they can reach substantial speeds on the ground. Their diet is omnivorous, including grasses, seeds, fruits, and insects. Reproduction involves ground nests where females lay eggs, and the males incubate the eggs and rear the young.

Nandu is also used as a given name or nickname in parts of the Indian subcontinent. It commonly serves as a diminutive form of names such as Nandan or Narendra and is used informally as an affectionate or familiar name. Individuals with the name or nickname appear in various fields, including arts and sports, though no single usage dominates.

Beyond these, the term nandu may appear in regional or cultural contexts where it functions as a local name or term. Its precise meaning is determined by the language and context in which it is used.