Binghamton Zoo Animals

Greater Roadrunner
(Geococcyx californianus)

Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Geococcyx
Species: Geococcyx californianus

HABITAT AND RANGE: This species prefers arid deserts and other regions with a mix of scattered brush for cover and open grassy areas for foraging. For breeding, they require coastal sage scrub or chaparral habitat. In the outer limits of their range they may be found in grasslands and at the edges of woodlands. Greater roadrunners are primarily a species of the southwestern United States including California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. However, their full range continues into southern Mexico, where their closest relative the lesser roadrunner becomes the dominant species.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: The head, neck, back, and wings of greater roadrunners are dark brown-black and heavily streaked with white, while the breast is mostly white. The eyes are bright yellow and there is a postocular streak of bare blue and red skin. A particularly notable feature is the crest of black feathers, which is raised or lowered at will. Overall, the body has a streamlined appearance, with a long tail that may be carried at an upward angle. The legs and beak are blue. The feet have two toes pointed forward and two toes pointed backward. The sexes are similar in appearance. Greater roadrunners are medium-sized birds, weighing 227 to 341 g. An adult’s length is between 50 and 62 cm and the height is between 25 and 30 cm. Greater roadrunners have a wingspan of 43 to 61 cm.

ADAPTATIONS: Greater roadrunners are non-migratory and pairs defend their territories year-round. These birds can run up to 17 miles an hour. In fact, they prefer to walk or run and will fly only when absolutely necessary. Even then, they can only remain airborne for a few seconds. The long tail is used for steering, braking, and balancing. They are also known for their curiosity; they won't hesitate to approach humans. Greater roadrunners have also been observed "sunbathing."

DIET:  The diet of the greater roadrunner is omnivorous and varied, a good strategy for survival in the typically harsh environments of the southwest.

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Greater roadrunner pairs may mate for life. The breeding and nesting seasons vary geographically. In regions where there is one rainy season they nest only in the spring. Where there are two rainy seasons, they will nest again in August and September. Both parents help build the nest; while the male collects the materials, the female does most of the construction. The nest site is almost always a few feet above the ground in a bush, cactus, or low tree. Although the young leave the nest within 18 to 21 days, the parents continue to feed them for up to 30 to 40 days.

STATUS IN WILD: Protected.