Greater Roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="geococcyx-californianus"></birdfyi-bird>About
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) — 52–62 cm. Streaked brown-and-white; erectile crest; bare red-and-blue post-ocular patch; long tail. Inhabits deserts and chaparral of the southwestern USA and Mexico. Non-parasitic; carnivorous — eats rattlesnakes, lizards, scorpions, and birds. Runs up to 32 km/h; iconic bird of the Sonoran Desert.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 36.2 cm | 14.3 in |
| Weight | 338.0 g | 11.92 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Lesser Roadrunner: brown-streaked above; white-buff below; long streaked tail; shaggy short crest; blue-red facial skin; small roadrunner
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 17-18 days. Fledging: 17-19 days.
Clutch Size
2-6
Sound
Song
Loud, far-carrying call; distinctive resonant notes audible across open terrain with remarkable carrying power.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes (Cuckoos) |
| Family | Cuculidae (Cuckoos) |
| Genus | Geococcyx |
| Species | Geococcyx californianus |
Distribution
Greater Roadrunner has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Greater Roadrunner endangered?
How does the Greater Roadrunner nest?
What does the Greater Roadrunner sound like?
How big is the Greater Roadrunner?
What order and family does the Greater Roadrunner belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Cuculidae family