Puna Rhea is often included with Lesser Rhea   R. pennatain a single species known as Lesser Rhea. This is the case in the 2025 eBird classification. Puna Rhea is distributed in northern Chile while Lesser Rhea is distributed in Patagonia.  The two groups are separated by a large area of unsuitable habitat and, being flightless, it is likely that these two populations have been separated for a long time.  

Puna Rhea is found on grasslands and shrubby areas in the altiplano at between 3,500 and 4,500 metres. It is usually near lakes or bogs.

It looks very similar to Lesser Rhea but has slightly shorter legs and the white feather tips are concentrated near the base of the neck.