The roadrunner, also known as the chaparral bird, is the state bird of New Mexico due to its historical association with the state and magical powers believed by Southwestern American Indian groups. They are large, low-flying terrestrial birds with distinctive long legs and tails, and their courtship behavior involves foot pursuit and offering food.
In 1949, the New Mexico state legislature adopted the roadrunner as the state bird of New Mexico. Interestingly, the resolution proclaiming it the state bird of New Mexico refers to the roadrunner as the chaparral bird, which is another name for the bird. In Spanish, the bird is called el correcaminos, which translates to “the roadrunner” in English. The scientific name of the New Mexico state bird is Geococcyx californianus.
Regardless of the name, this bird was adopted as the state bird of New Mexico due to its long historical association with the state. Several Southwestern American Indian groups believed that the roadrunner’s spirit had magical powers: For example, the Hopi used an “X” on Kachina figures to confuse evil spirits because the roadrunner’s footprint is shaped like a “X” and doesn’t let trackers know which way the bird is going. Early settlers in the state were advised that if they got lost, a roadrunner would always lead them back to the correct path.
Roadrunners are large members of the cuckoo bird family. Mature roadrunners are 20-24 inches (50-62 cm) long, have a 17-24 inch (43-61 cm) wingspan, and weigh 8-12 ounces (227-341 g). In appearance, the plumage of the New Mexico state bird is a dark grayish brown, mottled with streaks of buff and white, which help camouflage the bird in the cactus and mesquite soil where it nests. Males and females resemble each other in plumage and size.
The most distinctive physical characteristics of these birds are their very long legs and tails. A roadrunner’s tail is about half the length of its body. Roadrunners are low-flying terrestrial birds that only occasionally take to the skies if danger is perceived. Its long legs and strong feet help the roadrunner run at speeds of 15km per hour, and its long tail helps the bird balance and turn quickly while running. As the Hopi noted when following them, roadrunners have two toes pointing forward and two toes pointing back, which also helps with running and balance.
Foot pursuit plays a role in the daily life of road runners, not only in pursuing prey, but also in courtship behavior. The male roadrunner pursues the female on foot, often resting. He tempts her with morsels of food, such as snake or lizard. If she accepts, they will mate, and it is usually for life.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
