Greater roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

The greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a long-legged bird in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, from the Aridoamerica region in the Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Family: Cuculidae Order: Cuculiformes Conservation: Least Concern
Greater roadrunner

About the Greater roadrunner

The greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a long-legged bird in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, from the Aridoamerica region in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. The scientific name means "Californian earth-cuckoo". Along with the lesser roadrunner, it is one of two species in the genus Geococcyx. This roadrunner is also known as the chaparral cock, ground cuckoo, and snake killer.

Fun Facts About Greater roadrunner

  • The greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is a long-legged bird in the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, from the Aridoamerica region in the Southwestern United States and Mexico.
  • The scientific name means "Californian earth-cuckoo".

Conservation Status

The Greater roadrunner is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCuculiformes
FamilyCuculidae
GenusGeococcyx
SpeciesGeococcyx californianus

Range & Habitat

Range map of Greater roadrunner

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Related Species

Other species in the Cuculidae family: