Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Elizabeth Grisham
Some rights reserved

Greater roadrunners are non-migratory and pairs defend their territories year-round. These birds can run up to 17 miles an hour. In fact, they prefer to walk or run and will fly only when absolutely necessary. Even then, they can only remain airborne for a few seconds. The long tail is used for steering, braking, and balancing. They are also known for their curiosity; they won't hesitate to approach humans. Greater roadrunners have also been observed "sunbathing." In the morning and on cooler days, they position their scapular feathers so the black skin on the dorsal apteria can absorb the sunlight and warm the body. Conversely, they must also cope with the scorching heat of the southwest. One way they do so is by reducing their activity by 50% in the heat of midday. Other desert adaptations include entering hypothermia at night to conserve energy, water conservation when water is scarce, and a salt-secreting nasal gland. (Kaufman, 1996; Ohmart and Lasiewski, 1971)

Communication and Perception

Source and Additional Information

Animal Diversity Web
 
Elizabeth Grisham
Some rights reserved

Greater roadrunners have a wide range of vocalizations. The song of G. californianus is a series of six slow, low coos in descending pitch. During the mating season males will also attract females with a whirring call. The alarm call is a clackety noise produced by clicking the mandibles together in a sharp and rapid manner. The chicks give a buzzing begging call. (Baughman, 2003; Bent, 1964)