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Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)

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.

Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) If you were a tasty lizard, this might be the last face you ever see!
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Greater Roadrunners (Geococcyx californianus)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Catching a spider for lunch ...
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
... well almost, the spider jumped onto the roadrunner's bill (inset)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Greater Roadrunner in a tree
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Greater Roadrunner with nesting material
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Lifting its back feathers to let the sun warm the skin
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
Roadrunner on the lookout

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240116

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