Adaptable, quick and agile, roadrunners are one of the superheroes of the desert. Their cute crests, long pointed tails and penchant for running distinguishes them from so many other birds. They have secured their place among the lore of indigenous peoples, claimed the title of numerous business and even that of state bird. This bird just simply cannot be overlooked.

It may come as a surprise, but the Greater Roadrunner is part of the cuckoo family. Their scientific name is Geococcyx californianus which means "Californian earth cuckoo. They are also known as the chaparral bird, the ground cuckoo, and the snake killer...

Chapters:
Introduction 00:00
Taxonomy 00:29
Where are they found? 00:48
Similar Species: Lesser Roadrunner 01:06
Zygodactyl Feet 01:29
How do they get water in the desert? 02:11
Diet and Habitat 02:53
Torpor and Sunbathing 04:34
To fly or run? 05:07
Postorbital apteria and crest 06:01
Courtship 06:56
Nesting 07:40
Who does the roadrunner watch out for? 08:45
Conclusion 09:07


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Thumbnail photo credit: Russ from Flickr.com

Credits not given in video:
Zygodactyl Feet 3-up:
-Green-winged macaw by Frank Wouter from Flickr.com
-Woodpecker by Danilo Bassani from Canva.com
-Cuckoo by Piotr Krzeslak from Canva.com

Desert Plants 3-up:
-Sagebrush by davelogan from Canva.com
-Cholla cactus by apollob66 from Canva.com
-Juniper tree by All Things Birdie

Protein Sources 6-up:
-Dragon fly by All Things Birdie
-Lizard by NickS from Canva.com
-Mouse by Kandelfire from Canva.com
-Bull snake by Midwestwilderness from Canva.com
-House sparrow by blueliner22 from Canva.com
-Sparrow eggs by emer1940 from Canva.com

Hummingbird video clip by Haures Ilie from Canva.com

"Bright colors..." illustration, roadrunner photo (on left) by Dominic Sherony from Wikipedia, background removed.

Nest Locations 3-up:
-Catclaw acacia by Stan Shebs from Wikipedia
-Teddybear cholla by mh99221 from Canva.com
-Joshua tree by Brian W. Schaller from Wikipedia

Predators 4-up:
-Cooper's Hawk by Zhixia Shi from Canva.com
-Raccoon by edbo23 from Pixabay.com
-Skunk by KenCanning from Canva.com
-Coyote by Harry Collins from Canva.com

Have you found an injured or orphaned bird or wildlife?
Do a quick search for a wildlife rehabilitation clinic in your area. They will tell you what to do. If you can't find one, contact a local veterinarian and see if they know who to contact. Do not attempt to rehabilitate a bird or animal on your own.