Greater Roadrunner
NameGreater Roadrunner
Common NameGreater Roadrunner
Scientific NameGeococcyx californianus
FamilyCuculidae
Wingspan (cm)52
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)330
Plumage DetailsStreaky brown and white plumage on the back and wings, with a shaggy crest on the head. The underparts are paler, often buffy white. It has a distinctive bare patch of skin behind the eye, typically blue anteriorly and orange-red posteriorly.
Vocalization / CallA series of slow, descending coos, often described as 'coo-coo-coo-coo-coo'. It also produces a rapid, dry, mechanical 'clatter' with its bill.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, arid scrubland, chaparral, open country
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States and Mexico, extending from California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas south through much of Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesLong, graduated tail often cocked upwards, Shaggy crest on head, Streaky brown and white plumage, Bare blue and orange-red skin patch behind the eye, Strong, long legs for running, Terrestrial habits, rarely flies
Description
The Greater Roadrunner is a large, terrestrial cuckoo known for its long tail, shaggy crest, and ability to run at high speeds. It primarily hunts on the ground, preying on a variety of small animals, including snakes as seen in the image.
