“Beep-beep!” For many of us, this silly sound pops into our minds when we think of roadrunners.
You know, Wile E. Coyote’s cartoon nemesis, the road-racing bird that was always one step ahead. Today, we also relate lightning-fast Internet connectivity with the name. Either way, this zippy bird is indisputably affiliated with speed.
The greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a ground-dwelling member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). A large bird, reaching a total length of 24 inches, it is the only roadrunner found in the United States. And, actually, “Beep-beep!” is not even close to the dove-like coos and clicking vocalizations roadrunners make.
Often thought of as an iconic species of the desert Southwest, the greater roadrunner can be found throughout Texas, even behind the pine curtain of the easternmost regions of the state.
Roadrunners are aptly named for their ability to run and walk. Speed is their greatest asset, and they are capable of running as fast as 17 mph.
