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Greater Roadrunner
[Geococcyx californianus]
[Length 23 in. Wingspan 22 in.]
No bird symbolizes the American southwest more than the Greater Roadrunner.
Although they don't go "BEEP BEEP" like the cartoon, Roadrunners do run very fast, and can chase down swift prey such as lizards with ease.
They seem to prefer to walk or run, and, when they do fly, is usually close to the ground for a short distance.
Roadrunners are inquisitive and will often come quite close in areas where humans are common, such as campgrounds.
However, they will usually quickly walk or run away if they are directly approached.
This Greater Roadrunner was photographed in late afternoon light along the Apache Trail in the foothills east of Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Photo taken with a Nikkor 300mm ED f4.5 lens on Kodachrome 64 film.
(Date: September 1979)
(use image name "roadr1a" for inquiries)
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