Artwork by Acorn Designs
Roadrunner Small Journal
$20.00
The following description appears on the inside cover of your small journal.
DESCRIPTION
Greater Roadrunner
(Geococcyx californianus)
The roadrunner is one of the most fascinating birds of the southwestern U.S. It is a large mottled long-legged ground bird; its back and wings are heavily streaked brown and white, its long tail is often held up at an angle. It has a distinctive expressive head crest that can be raised and lowered.
The roadrunner scoots across American deserts at speeds of up to 17 mph. They are capable of flight but seldom fly. This bird typically lives for 7-8 years, and has a diet consisting of insects, lizards and snakes.
Like all other members of the Cuckoo family, the roadrunner has two toes facing forward and two toes facing back, making tracks that look like X’s. The produce a variety of sounds, among them being a surprisingly beautiful descending cooing. The sexes appear similar, and mated pairs stay together on their territory year round. Eggs are laid over a period of days and the young hatch over a few days time (asynchronous hatching). This results in a range of sizes among sibling with varying abilities to compete for food.
Adults undergo torpor at night to save energy and water and then bask in the morning sun, with their wings spread and back feathers open to allow sunlight to penetrate the black skin underneath.
Roadrunners are the subjects of many stories and legends, generally teaching us mental agility and speed. Approaching us fearlessly, this bird attracts attention wherever it goes…Mexicans call it “paissano” meaning “countryman.”
artwork and text by Steve Sierigk
