The roadrunner is an iconic bird species found in the desert landscapes of the American Southwest. With its distinctive shape, speedy running, and comical “beep-beep” call, the roadrunner has become a classic symbol of the region. Though roadrunners range across the deserts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico, New Mexico offers excellent opportunities to catch sight of these unique birds in the wild.
Where to Find Roadrunners in New Mexico
Roadrunners inhabit a variety of desert and scrubland habitats in New Mexico. Some of the best places to spot them include:
- White Sands National Park – This pristine gypsum dune field in southern New Mexico provides ideal roadrunner terrain. Look for the birds darting across the white sands.
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park – Roadrunners frequent the chihuahuan desert scrub surrounding the park. Check arroyos and along the entrance road.
- Bandelier National Monument – Scan the piƱon-juniper woodlands in this Santa Fe area park for racing roadrunners.
- Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge – Roadrunners hunt lizards and insects in the grasslands and saltbrush flats of this southern NM refuge.
- Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge – During winter, roadrunners stalk the refuge’s cottonwood bosque and desert grasslands.
- The Plains of San Agustin – This expansive grassland in west-central NM hosts a healthy roadrunner population.
- El Malpais National Monument – Roadrunners occupy habitats from desert grassland to pinyon-juniper forest in this scenic area near Grants.
- Caballo Lake State Park – Joshua trees and yucca blanketing the Chihuahuan Desert provide cover for roadrunners.
- City parks in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and other cities – Keep an eye out for urban roadrunners darting across lawns and golf courses.
New Mexico’s extensive protected public lands provide the perfect habitat for roadrunners. When visiting any desert park or open space in the state, be on the lookout for a streaking roadrunner at any moment!
Best Times to See Roadrunners
Roadrunners are present year-round across New Mexico, but some times of day and year offer better viewing opportunities:
- Early Morning – Roadrunners are most active at dawn when hunting for prey. Scan for them racing across trails.
- Spring – Breeding season brings increased vocalizations and territorial displays.
- Late summer – Adult roadrunners can be seen leading new chicks on hunting forays.
- Fall/Winter – Cold weather forces roadrunners closer to trails and roads to soak up warmth from the sun.
While a glimpse of roadrunner at any time brings excitement, plan a spring or early morning visit to maximize your chances.
Where to Look for Roadrunners
When searching for roadrunners, look for open areas near scattered shrubs, trees, and brush:
- Desert washes – Roadrunners run along dry riverbeds scanning for lizard and snake prey.
- Arroyos and gulches – These eroded channels bisecting the desert provide hunting grounds.
- Along trails – Roadrunners frequently dart across trails and dirt access roads.
- Near thickets and brush – Look for roadrunners hiding in the shade of shrubs and trees during midday.
- Around structures – Roadrunners often forage for insects around rural homes and abandoned buildings.
Their long legs and tail let roadrunners sprint at high speeds across open ground to snatch up prey. Position yourself with a view over low vegetation and watch for dashing roadrunners.
Roadrunner Behavior
Observing the interesting behaviors of roadrunners adds to the enjoyment of spotting them:
- Foraging – Roadrunners run quickly after insects, lizards, snakes, small mammals, and other prey. They may hammer large prey against the ground.
- Territorial displays – Watch for males chasing each other with wings spread during breeding season.
- Dust bathing – Roadrunners take dust baths to clean their feathers and skin and remove excess oils.
- Sunning – During cool mornings, roadrunners perch on rocks or branches spread out to absorb the warming rays.
- Vocalizations – Listen for various clucks, coos, and their famous “beep, beep” call.
Beyond their running speed, observing these behaviors offers a more complete picture of the roadrunner’s life in the desert.
How to Attract Roadrunners
While roadrunners naturally range across desert landscapes, a few tips can increase sightings on your property:
- Provide perches – Roadrunners scan for prey from low perches like fence posts, stumps, or rocks.
- Build brush piles – Piles of cut brush give roadrunners protection and hunting grounds.
- Leave dead wood – Fallen logs offer habitat for roadrunner prey like insects and lizards.
- Plant native vegetation – Roadrunners need desert-adapted plants like yucca, prickly pear, mesquite, and juniper for cover.
- Supply water – A shallow water source like a birdbath attracts roadrunner prey.
- Reduce pesticides – Chemicals reduce the insects and small vertebrates roadrunners feed on.
Making these habitat enhancements can potentially draw roadrunners to your yard. But be sure to provide open areas they can run across.
Fun Facts about Roadrunners
Beyond where to spot them, a few interesting facts highlight what makes roadrunners special:
- They can run 15 miles per hour and fly 30 miles per hour over short distances.
- Roadrunners kill venomous snakes like rattlesnakes by repeatedly striking them against the ground.
- They are part of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) along with koels and anis.
- Male and female roadrunners share incubation and feeding of the young.
- Young roadrunners leave the nest at 1-2 weeks old and begin hunting on their own.
- They get most of their water from prey and can go without drinking for long periods.
- Roadrunners help control pest rodent, snake, and insect populations.
- Their tongue can dart out to snatch prey in as little as 0.13 seconds!
These remarkable adaptations allow roadrunners to thrive in harsh desert conditions.
Conservation Status
The greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is fortunately a widely distributed and stable bird across the southwestern US and Mexico. Their numbers are estimated at 1.5 million mature adults. Roadrunners face no major widespread threats and their populations are considered secure. However, habitat loss in some regions to urbanization and agriculture has caused localized declines. Maintaining native desert and scrubland habitats will be key to ensuring thriving roadrunner populations in the future. Supporting parks, protected areas, and wildlife-friendly land management will help New Mexico’s iconic state bird continue to prosper.
Conclusion
With their distinctive appearance and speedy running behavior, roadrunners make an unforgettable addition to any desert wildlife experience. New Mexico offers premier opportunities to potentially see these birds darting across trails, foraging along washes, and displaying fascinating behaviors throughout their range. Heading out in the early morning hours to public lands near brushy desert habitat will give birdwatchers the best chances. With a little luck, a sighting of New Mexico’s state bird racing across the desert floor can turn any outdoor adventure into a memorable and rewarding experience. So pack your binoculars, hike out into roadrunner country, and enjoy time spent with this charismatic desert dweller.