The Greater Roadrunner is found in the deserts of the American Southwest. These birds can run at about 15 miles per hour, and even faster in spurts when hunting. Part of the cuckoo family, they prey on various animals, including insects, lizards, rattlesnakes, rodents, and small birds. Roadrunners usually nest above ground on platforms made of sticks and other plant materials. Both the male and female feed their young.
The Greater Roadrunner has a distinctive body shape with a prominent crest, long legs, and extremely long tail. Both specimens shown here are the same species, each illustrates different characteristics. The bird's tail and overall shape is featured in the mounted specimen, with individual feathers readily observable in the other specimen.
Zion National Park staff photo (live bird)
Zion National Park, ZION 760 (standing specimen) and ZION 1949 (specimen laying flat)
