Greater Roadrunner: Charismatic Cuckoo
The Greater Roadrunner belongs to a large avian family, the Cuculidae, which includes the Yellow-billed and Mangrove Cuckoos as well as larger, more terrestrial species such as the Rufous-Vented Ground-Cuckoo of Central and South America. The Greater Roadrunner’s scientific name, which translates to “Californian earth-cuckoo,” shows its affinity with this latter group. It’s the only ground cuckoo found in North America.
This charismatic cuckoo is also called Chaparral Cock, Snake Killer, Paisano, and Medicine Bird. It’s the basis for a popular Warner Brothers cartoon character, a frequent team mascot, … Continue