Animal Profiles
Birds

Roadrunners

Geococcyx

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Roadrunners are ground-running cuckoos. This account describes the greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus), a long-tailed hunter of dry North American scrublands.

Geococcyx californianus (roadrunners)

Representative species: Geococcyx californianus.

Polinova · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Desert, Grassland
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Small animals and some plant foods.

Classification

Common name
Roadrunners
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Geococcyx
Taxon rank
genus
Order
Cuculiformes
Family
Cuculidae
Genus
Geococcyx
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Its feet have two forward and two backward toes.
  • It prefers running to sustained flight.
  • The tail helps it steer.

Habitat and range

Greater roadrunners occur in the southwestern and south-central United States and Mexico. They favour open dry country with scattered shrubs, which provide cover near feeding areas.

Appearance and adaptations

Streaked brown-and-white plumage, a raised crest and a long tail create a distinctive outline. Two toes face forward and two backward on each foot.

Diet and behaviour

Insects, spiders, lizards, snakes and other small animals are eaten, with some plant food also taken. Birds prefer walking or running to sustained flight. Their long tails help steer, balance and brake.

Sources

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