Common Name: Greater Roadrunner
Scientific Name: Geococcyx californianus
Year Adopted as State Bird: 1949
Range in State: Arid habitats and suburban areas, year-round but absent from the northwestern corner of the state
Shared With Other States: None
A swift and distinctive bird, the greater roadrunner is popular in New Mexican culture. The state's early settlers believed that roadrunners could lead lost individuals back to the right trail, and Native American groups believe the bird's spirit has supernatural powers.
For birders, its great powers are in its powerful legs – running up to 20 miles per hour and jumping to catch a wide variety of prey.
Photo – Greater Roadrunner © Dominic Sherony
Scientific Name: Geococcyx californianus
Year Adopted as State Bird: 1949
Range in State: Arid habitats and suburban areas, year-round but absent from the northwestern corner of the state
Shared With Other States: None
A swift and distinctive bird, the greater roadrunner is popular in New Mexican culture. The state's early settlers believed that roadrunners could lead lost individuals back to the right trail, and Native American groups believe the bird's spirit has supernatural powers.
For birders, its great powers are in its powerful legs – running up to 20 miles per hour and jumping to catch a wide variety of prey.
Photo – Greater Roadrunner © Dominic Sherony