Roadrunner

The Roadrunner is also called the Chaparral Bird, and is the state bird of New Mexico. It also inhabits the Texas panhandle. The photos here were taken at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Many people don't realize it, but the roadrunner can fly. He just prefers not to. He can run at speeds up to about 17 mph, and eats a variety of lizards, snakes, scorpions, centipedes, mice, and insects. They will even eat rattlesnakes! Roadrunners are mature at 2 - 3 years old, and lay anywhere from two to 12 eggs.

(Click on the images for a larger view.)
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