Lesser Roadrunner

Overview

The lesser roadrunner (Geococcyx velox) is a large, long-legged bird belonging to the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, native to Mesoamerica. Its scientific name translates to 'swift earth-cuckoo', and it is one of two species within the genus Geococcyx.

Identification

• Length ranges from 46 to 51 cm (18 in), with the tail comprising approximately 24 cm (9.4 in) of that total.
• Plumage features a black crown and neck with a bronze glow and light brown spots, transitioning to dark brown with light speckles on the upper body, a maroon rump, and a white breast.
• Yellow to brown irises are surrounded by a yellow to silvery-white pupil ring and a pale lavender to bright blue eye ring.
• A distinct narrow red band extends from behind the eye onto the neck, which is mostly covered by feathers.
• Call consists of a descending series of soft 'cooing' notes, delivered at a rate of about one per second for three to seven repetitions.

Habitat

This species inhabits arid lowlands across Mesoamerica, extending up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) in altitude, typically favouring open ground, scrub, and thorny bushes. It is found in semi-open areas above the treeline of stratovolcanoes and adapts well to cultivated land such as henequen and corn fields. Its breeding range covers southwestern Mexico, parts of the Sierra Madre Occidental, northern Central America, and a disjunct area in the northern Yucatán Peninsula.

Diet

An opportunistic feeder, the lesser roadrunner consumes seeds, fruit, small reptiles, and frogs, while foraging along roadsides for large insects and roadkill. Grasshoppers and caterpillars constitute a significant portion of its diet.

Did you know?

The bird basks in the early morning by turning its back to the sun, raising scapular feathers to expose its black skin, which absorbs heat. It can run at speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h), spending most of its time on the ground.