The following is excerpted from Wild Vision Adventures In Observation, A Monthly Newsletter for Texas Wildlife Interpreters, Published by Wild Vision, July 1995 Volume 1, Issue 2.
The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is abundant in the Eagle Ford shale mesquite prairies in our area. Our whole family got a great look at one a few days ago. They are not very timid and so are easily viewed from a vehicle or on foot.
The book, The Birds of Texas by John Tveten, informs us that this bird in the Cuckoo family occurs year-round in most sections of Texas. It is capable of speeds up to 15 miles an hour and only flies under duress. "The Roadrunner eats almost anything that moves--insects, spiders, scorpions, lizards, rodents and small birds". The Roadrunner is also an adept snake killer. It stabs at the snakes head, then grabs it in its beak and thrashes it on the ground. Roadrunners are almost wholly carnivorous--fruit and seeds constitute only about 10% of its diet.
"Roy Bedichek, in Adventures with a Texas Naturalist, writes that he prefers the name "Paisano" because it is euphonious and because this large bird will travel with you for miles across the lonely desert, where company is scarce, staying only a few yards ahead. "Paisano", Bedichek notes, suggests congenial companionship, a fellow traveler."
Natural History of North Central Texas Index
Royce & LuCretia Milam Copyright © July 1995 Wild Vision. All rights reserved.