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Greater Roadrunner
Geococcyx californianus
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I've been researching roadrunner behavior for an article I'm writing for a national parks magazine. Bill Walker, his wife Mary, and I found this roadrunner near the Laguna Atascosa NWR. The Behavior of Texas Birds by Kent Rylandard describes exactly what we saw:
The male produces a loud, dovelike kowoo kowoo kowoo which at a distance suggests a lost puppy. He usually does this early in the morning. With each deliberate, melancholy kowoo he thrusts his head . He also parades with his head held high and his wings and tail drooped while producing a pop sound with his wings.
Apparently roadrunners mate for life, but the male frequently takes his mate for granted after the first season, and no longer offers her goodies like lizards prior to the act!
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Focal length: 700 mm
fStop: 5.6
ISO: 400
Shutter Speed: 1/1250
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Laguna Atascosa, TX - Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
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Apr 11, 2008
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