Greater Roadrunner

Greater Roadrunner, Geococcyx californianus

The Greater Roadrunner, Geococcyx californianus, is an iconic bird of both folklore and media. Found throughout the south and southwestern United States down into Mexico, the roadrunner is most often associated with the desert, but can be found in savannah, open woodlands, and similar habitats. The roadrunner prefers to walk or run rather than fly, and can reach running speeds of up to 30 km/h (18.6 mph).

These birds are known for being opportunistic eaters, preying on birds at feeders, in bird banding nets, or bird boxes. They will eat what they can catch including venomous snakes and scorpions, in addition to cactus, hummingbirds, eggs, and anything else available. Due to their impressive diet, and false belief of being the cause of the declining quail population, the greater roadrunner was one of the last bird species given state protection in Texas. The US Migratory Bird Act has protected this native species at a national level.

This was camera phone photography, but I hope to get a better photograph with a real camera. If/when I do, I'll have a follow-up post on the greater roadrunner.