General Description: Greater Roadrunners (Geococcyx californianus) are fairly large, sleek birds with a very long tail. They are brown overall, with streaks on the neck and breast, and a blue and red patch behind the eye. True to their name, Roadrunners would rather walk on the ground or run down the road rather than fly.
Taxonomy: Cuculiformes, Cuculidae, Neomorphinae.
Favored Habitat: Desert scrub.
Where to Find: Greater Roadrunners are fairly common around Las Vegas. Watch for them in places with desert scrub, water, and people. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve and the Wetlands Park are good places to look, as is the Death Valley Visitor Center.
Comments: Roadrunners eat anything they can catch, but they mostly eat lizards and small snakes. |