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Birds of Yosemite National Park (1954, 1963) by Cyril A. Stebbins and Robert C. Stebbins

CUCKOO-LIKE BIRDS: Order Cuculiformes

CUCKOOS, ROADRUNNERS, ETC.: Family Cuculidae

ROADRUNNER
ROADRUNNER
ROADRUNNER (Geococcyx californianus): 20-24 in. Above dusky brown, streaked with tawny and rusty; crested; long tail with outer feathers tipped with white; in flight white crescent seen in short rounded wings; two toes in front and two behind producing X-shaped footprint. Usually runs rather than flies. Song resembles the whining of a dog; alarm note a gutteral, rattling brrrr.

Found chiefly in the Lower and Upper Sonoran life zones, most commonly in the former. Frequents open ground interspersed with brush and scattered larger bushes or small trees. Sparse R. in foothills near western edge of park.


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