Life History Greater roadrunner pairs may mate for life. Conservation Greater roadrunners are not federally listed as threatened or endangered. Fun Fact Roadrunners like to sunbathe. Donate Today. Sign a Petition. Donate Monthly. Nearby Events.
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Join Ranger Rick Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities Learn More. National Wildlife Federation is a c 3 non-profit organization. The truth, however, is that the cartoon character was based on the real runner.
The roadrunner or Geococcyx californianus family consists of two members: the lesser roadrunner and the greater roadrunner. Both are similar in appearance, except that the greater roadrunner is larger and has a longer bill. While the cartoon character is bluish in appearance, the real roadrunner is black with light brown and white stripes.
The roadrunner is truly a fast runner. To stay hydrated, they rid themselves of the excess salt found in their protein-rich diet through active salt glands located near their eyes, while conserving the essential water. Like other cuckoos, roadrunners are slender birds with rounded wings and graduated tail feathers.
Roadrunners are charismatic birds, and being fleet of foot might just make them feel confident about exploring whatever they're curious about — including people. Humans are just as interested in roadrunners as they are in us, and when one approaches on foot and cocks its head, it's a sight to see.
Roadrunners have elaborate mating rituals, and may mate for life. Their courtship begins with the male chasing the female on foot. Like other bird species, the male tries to woo the female with food, often bringing her a lizard in his beak. Both males and females try to attract each other with offerings of sticks or grass.
The male wags its tail and leaps into the air to get attention. Males also make cooing sounds, which can be heard here , provided by the Macaulay Library. Once a pair mates, they stay together to defend their territory all year.
The birds build a nest in a low bush or tree and line it with grass, leaves, and sometimes cow dung. Each pair has two to eight eggs each breeding season. Most pairs raise the young together, taking turns protecting the hatchlings and procuring food.
Their primary hunting method is quickly moving through an area searching for prey and chasing it down. Not only do humans inadvertently put pressure on Roadrunner populations, but they also directly hunt them for killing gamebirds. These birds are actually beneficial to humans, because they hunt pest animals like mice and insects. Sadly, habitat destruction and car strikes do cause population decline. No, Roadrunners do not make good pets. They are wild birds, and are not friendly towards humans.
In most places, it is illegal to own one as a pet. In zoos, these birds live in enclosures with a variety of low vegetation and shrubs. They can fly, but they spend most of their time on the ground.
Though they are not social, mated pairs remain together year-round. Zookeepers feed these birds a variety of foods, including mice, crickets, mealworms, eggs, and more. Roadrunner pairs defend a territory from others of their kind, and from predators. They are terrestrial, which means they walk on the ground.
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