Greater Roadrunner – A member of the cuckoo family, the greater Roadrunner (Geococcyz californianus) is zygodactylous or two toes pointing forward and two backwards. It has heavily streaked plumage, a bristly crest, short rounded wings an upward tilted tail, and long legs. It rarely flies and has been clocked running at speeds up to 17 miles per hour. It is said to have gotten its name in the Old West from running ahead of horse-drawn carriages. Its diet of lizards, insects and spiders, small rodents, birds, and snakes is supplemented with occasional fruits and seeds.
Roadrunner - Lizard for lunch - file photo
