A search was carried out after the five foot tall rhea, named Horatio, escaped from its enclosure after a fox disturbed it and another bird during the night.

While one of the birds stayed in the area of the farm, in Lochanhead, Dumfries, the other one ran off.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary had advised members of the public who came into contact with the white bird that it was not aggressive but that it might be scared off if approached.

Later, officers said the runaway rhea had been found safe and well, and had been returned to its owners.

Rheas belong to the same category of birds as ostriches and emus, and while they cannot fly they are said to be inquisitive, friendly and graceful creatures.

It is understood to be one of five rheas owned by local farmer Margaret Allan, who keeps the birds as family pets. Allan could not be contacted last night but wildlife experts explained why Horatio might have gone on the run.

Simon Peet, partner in Eden Ostrich World, Cumbria, said: "Rheas will take food out of your hand but you cannot handle them. If you try and catch them they run everywhere.

"They are like ostriches; they have a three-second memory like goldfish and therefore they do everything by instinct.

"Rheas don't like wild dogs. That's what gets them going because they take their young.

"A fox would disturb a rhea. It would not be able to take down the rhea but the rhea would either run away or attack. A rhea would probably run way rather then fight."

Rhea are native to South America.

Peet added: "Ostriches are the biggest birds in the ratite family. Emus, rheas, cassowary and kiwi follow."