Greater Roadrunner Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesGreater Roadrunner
Adult
Distinctive shape, with long neck and legs, and a very long tail. Mostly brown with bold streaks over most of the body, and a lighter buffy belly. Distinct crest and long, heavy bill.
© Lawrence Haller / Macaulay LibraryTexas, September 20, 2016Adult
During the breeding season can show bright blue and red facial skin.
© Charles Lyon / Macaulay LibraryOklahoma, March 12, 2017Adult
Typically forages in open areas for insects, arachnids, centipedes, millipedes, lizards, snakes, and carrion. Also takes adult birds, young, and eggs.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryArizona, February 01, 1997Adult
Prefers to run on the ground rather than flying. Calls with a nasal "meep meep" when running away from danger.
© Nancy Christensen / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 09, 2017Adult
Large with a very long tail and a slightly crested head. Back and underparts are heavily streaked.
© Jeff Bray / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 10, 2017Adult
When flying shows broad, rounded wings with glossy dark feathers, and usually spreads the long tail.
© Jerry Ting / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, May 05, 2018Adult
Eats a variety of prey, including lizards and snakes.
© Richard Taylor / Macaulay LibraryTexas, March 24, 2017Adult
In cold weather will sometimes expose black feathers and skin on the lower back.
© Jeff Bray / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 08, 2016Adult
Will sing or scan for danger from exposed perches.
© Darren Clark / Macaulay LibraryNevada, March 11, 2016Adult
Typically occurs in dry, fairly open to scrubby habitats.
© Walter Piper / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, February 04, 2017Similar SpeciesRing-necked Pheasant
Female
Female Ring-necked Pheasants have much smaller heads and shorter legs than a Greater Roadrunner. They show less dark streaking above and tend to occur in less dry habitats than roadrunners.
© Chuck Gates / Macaulay LibraryOregon, January 22, 2017Similar SpeciesScaled Quail
Adult
Scaled Quail share the Greater Roadrunner’s desert habitat, but are much smaller and shorter-legged, with a plain back and wings and a heavily scaled belly (roadrunners have unmarked bellies).
© Jeffrey Moore / Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 15, 2014
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