Roadrunner

roadrunnerbg: RoadrunnerCOMMON NAME: Roadrunner

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Geococcyx californianus

DESCRIPTION:

A member of the cuckoo family (related to the endangered Yellow-billed Cuckoo), this is a bird that rarely flies. The zygodactyl toe arrangement acts like snow shoes to keep this ground-dwelling bird atop the sand as it runs across the desert on strong, long legs. Approximately 23" tall, the roadrunner's feathers are streaked in brown and white. The tail is long with a white edge. The tail is used as a rudder while running and in displays.

LIFE HISTORY:

As in the cartoon, the coyote chases the roadrunner hoping to eat him. However, roadrunner does not eat bird seed. The long, thick bill is used to catch insects, lizards, snakes, and small rodents and birds.

ECOLOGY:

Niche: Roadrunners eat lizards, snakes and insects. They are occasionally prey for coyotes, bobcats, and hawks.

Habitat: Roadrunners inhabit dry sparsely vegetated areas of the desert scrub and mesquite groves.

ADOPT THIS ANIMAL

The Audubon Society Encyclpoedia of North American Birds by John K Terres. ISN# 0-517-03288-0
Natinal Geographic Society Field Guide to the Birds of North America, second edition. ISBN# 0-87044-692-4


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