Greater Roadrunner

Description:

Per the attached, this adult has a bushy crest and long, thick bill. It has a long tail, a speckeled head, back, and chest.

Habitat:

This bird was spotted at Red Spring in Calico Basin, which is in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. This is a riparian area, fed by springs from adjacent mountains. The area is desert where it meets scrub oak foothills.

Notes:

Per Wikipedia, and as noted also by me..."this bird walks around rapidly, running down prey. It feeds mainly on small animals including insects, spiders (including black widows), tarantulas, scorpions, mice, small birds and especially lizards and small snakes. Venomous serpents, including small rattlesnakes, are readily consumed. It kills prey by holding the victim in its bill and slamming it repeatedly against the ground." Generally these birds are shy and hard to approach. This particular roadrunner allowed a close approach, and was not intimidated by our presence.