From Opus

Geococcyx californianus

Photo by Marysan
Taken: Pamo Valley, California.

Photo by: Gary Clark
Location: Big Bend National Park, Texas

[edit] Identification

L. 51-61 cm
Ws. 81 cm

Usually seen walking or running along desert terrain, weaving skillfully through openings in fences or underbrush.

• Upper parts, chin, and chest are heavily streaked brown and white;
• Buff belly
• Shaggy crest on head, not always erect
• Heavy black bill with hooked tip
  • Slightly downturned
• Long pale blue legs and feet
• Sometimes has a patch of bare skin behind the eyes with colors of blue, red and orange

[edit] Distribution

Mexico, southwest and southern midwest states of USA, in suitable terrain.

[edit] Taxonomy

Some authorities sees this as a monotypic species others recognize four subspecies: californianus, kongligi, conklingi, and dromicus.

[edit] Habitat

Dry, hot country. Scrub, chapparal, agricultural areas, urban fringes.

[edit] Behaviour

Spends most of its time on the ground, often solitary. Flies with reluctance only when threatened.

Can be quite tame where not persecuted.

This fairly common member of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae) was called the Ground Cuckoo in centuries past, because it was often seen running along in front of carriages. They can still be commonly seen darting across or along roads, although at a peak speed of 15mph, they can no longer keep up with traffic.

[edit] Diet

Runs to catch snakes, lizards, small birds and rodents. One of the only animals known to attack rattlesnakes.

[edit] Breeding

Monogamous breeder.

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