ROAD-RUNNER. 



385. Geococcyx calif or nianus. 23 inches. 



These strange birds are known as "Ground Cuck- 

 oos," " Snake-killers" and "Chaparral Cock" be- 

 cause they are commonly found in chaparral brush. 

 Small snakes and lizards form a large part of their 

 daily diet, they being especially savage in their 

 attacks upon the latter. They are very fleet runners 

 and travel over the ground at an astonishing rate aid- 

 ed by their outspread wings and long, broad tail. Their 

 legs are long and strong and their four toes are placed 

 two in front and two behind. 



Notes. A low twittering and a clucking noise. 



Nest. A rude platform of sticks and twigs in low 

 trees or bushes. During April or May they lay from 

 four to ten white eggs, depositing them at intervals 

 of one to three days. Size 1.55 x 1.20. 



Range. Southwestern United States from northern 

 Cal., southern Colo, and Kansas southward. 



