DM Prize crossword, Wed

[Jock13]

27down, Region where a big bird loses height, 4 letters.
Is this AREA, please, and, if so why?

[bibblebub]

a = A
big bird = rhea, losing height = R(h)EA

[Jock13]

Thanks very much bibblebub - I was missing the first A so couldn't see a connection.
I see it now, thanks to your helpful answer.