The Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)
is a member of the Cuculidae (Cuckoo)
family. It is a large, crested bird (20 to 24 inches) that prefers
walking or running to flying. It can reach speeds of up to 17
mph.
Its diet consists of snakes (including
rattlesnakes), insects and lizards. The nest is a shallow cup
of sticks placed in a small tree, bush or cactus. The female
lays 2 to 12 white eggs. These are laid over a period of three
days to allow the chicks to hatch at different times. The incubation
period is from 18 to 20 days. Both parents tend the nest. The
first chicks to hatch have a better survival rate than the late
comers, which are many times runts. Usually only about 3 or 4
young make it to adulthood. It generally takes 18 days to
fledge. Can
have from one to two broods per year depending on the location.
This bird's range is throughout the Southwestern
states of the U.S. and can be found in the Sonoran, Chihuahuan
and Mojave deserts. It prefers open, flat, arid desert terrain.
It has a soft, dovelike cooing call, notes successively descending.
Roadrunners live to the ripe old age of
7 or 8.
The little Roadrunner shown at left
is only 6 inches long. Wild Republic, maker of these birds, has
joined hands with the National Audubon Society to create this
line of birds. Each bird's lifelike design and detailing is the
result of input from Audubon. Additionally the sounds in each
toy are authentic bird songs provided by The Cornell Lab
of Ornithology. Wild Republic's affiliation with these two bird
organizations emphasizes its commitment to nature conservation.
Check this Gift
Shop to see if there are any Roadrunners in stock.
