Tracking the Roadrunner

Not purple and does
not say "beep, beep" but is
an active, quick hunter.

~ carliewired

I found this roadrunner at the Yuma Civic Center hunting for bugs in the lawn. It was very animated, ducking and diving to snatch its prey from the well-manicured grass.

Roadrunners live in the southwest United States and in most areas of Mexico. It does well in the desert and scrub. A rather large bird, the roadrunner is about 22 inches high, and half of its body length is its tail feathers. It is able to fly but prefers to use its legs. A roadrunner is capable of speeds up to 15 miles per hour. It hunts for small rodents, insects, lizards, small birds and snakes. Roadrunners do not drink water. They get all the moisture they require from their food sources.

I find it is quite delightful to watch a roadrunner. It raises and lowers its crest and tips its head from side to side while flicking its tail feathers around. I can really appreciate the connection to dinosaurs when I see how they move.