Lesser Roadrunner

The lesser roadrunner, Geococcyx velox, is a member of the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, distinguished by its slender build and impressive speed. This bird, with a length of 46 to 51 cm, of which the tail comprises approximately 24 cm, is a smaller counterpart to the greater roadrunner. Males typically weigh between 174 to 207 grams, and females slightly less, ranging from 162 to 192 grams. The species sports a black crown, crest, and neck with a bronze sheen and light brown spots, while the upper body is dark brown with light speckles, transitioning to maroon towards the rump. Its breast is white, and the rectrices exhibit a dark purple luster.

Identification Tips

The lesser roadrunner can be identified by its yellow to brown iris, surrounded by a yellow to silvery-white ring. A pale lavender to bright blue eye ring is present, and the area behind the eye extends to a narrow band that turns into a bright red color on the neck, mostly hidden by feathers. The upper beak is gray, and the lower beak is bluish-gray. Compared to the greater roadrunner, it is smaller, with a less streaked throat and chest, brownish rump, outer wings, yellowish undersides, and a significantly shorter bill.

Habitat

This bird inhabits arid lowlands of Mesoamerica up to 3,000 meters in altitude, favoring open ground with scrub and thorny bushes. It is also found in semi-open areas above the treeline on stratovolcanoes and adapts to cultivated lands such as henequen and corn fields.

Distribution

The lesser roadrunner's breeding range extends from southwestern Mexico, north into the western side of the Sierra Madre Occidental range, through northern Central America, and into a disjunct range in the northern Yucatán Peninsula. Its range slightly overlaps with that of the greater roadrunner in parts of Sonora, Sinaloa, Jalisco, and Michoacán.

Behaviour

Capable of reaching speeds up to 20 miles per hour, the lesser roadrunner is predominantly terrestrial, running in open areas or along roads, and is capable of limited flight, perching in bushes or low trees. In the early morning, it basks in the sun on a fence post or bush, cocking its tail and drooping its wings to absorb heat through its black skin.

Song & calls

The call of the lesser roadrunner is a soft "cooing" sound, produced at a rate of about one note per second, in a series of three to seven notes on a descending scale.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic feeder, the lesser roadrunner consumes seeds, fruit, small reptiles, frogs, and is known to forage for large insects and roadkill along roadsides. Grasshoppers and caterpillars are significant components of its diet.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from April to July in Mexico and in August in El Salvador. Nests are constructed in low trees, thorn bushes, or Opuntia cacti, about 2 meters off the ground. The eggs are white and measure 35 mm by 26 mm, typically laid in clutches of 2 to 4. The nests, smaller yet stronger and more compact than those of the greater roadrunner, are cup-shaped and built with sturdy grass stems and twigs. Both parents share incubation duties.

Conservation status

The lesser roadrunner is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.