USA - New Mexico - State Bird

ROADRUNNER
NEW MEXICO
The Geococcyx californiacus, commonly known as the Roadrunner, is a speedy member of the cuckoo family and New Mexico's state bird.

Sent by Robyn from New Mexico, USA.

"The roadrunner was designated the official state bird of New Mexico in 1949. Also called the chaparral bird, the roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) inhabits desert and shrubby country in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Although a roadrunner is capable of flight, it spends most of the time on the ground, running at speeds of 15 miles per hour (or more) to catch its prey (insects, small reptiles, rodents, tarantulas, scorpions and small birds). The Hopi and Pueblo Indian tribes believed that the roadrunner provided protection against evil spirits."(Source)