Greater Roadrunner
The Greater Roadrunner is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the cuckoo family and is known for its distinctive long tail, striking plumage, and swift running ability. This bird can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and is often seen darting across roads or through scrubland in search of food.
Greater Roadrunners primarily feed on insects, small mammals, and reptiles, including snakes. They are also known for their unique behavior of hunting and consuming prey, sometimes even eating rattlesnakes. Their loud, cooing call and impressive agility make them a fascinating species in the wild, often associated with the cartoon character Wile E. Coyote.