A rocky bank, tree cavity, or ledge are the typical perches that roadrunners sleep in. With no real nest to build, you will find roadrunners sleeping anywhere at night. Out of necessity, these beautiful birds have become very good at defending themselves from predators. Like most of the cuckoo family, they have mastered the art of pretending to be hurt or injured to distract predators while they make their getaway. Whether it is a slower-moving predator such as a coyote or bobcat or a faster one like a hawk, roadrunners have escape tactics of their own to help them survive.
The roadrunner has adapted well to urban environments and is often found scavenging in residential areas. In winter, roadrunners may be seen following plows to eat the animals that are killed by vehicles and other man-made objects. The birds seem relatively unconcerned by approaching cars, etc., and will readily dash across busy streets and parking lots. This could be owing to the popularity of roadrunner cartoons, which portray them as being clever enough to outsmart coyotes who prey on them.
Do roadrunners sleep in nests?
Roadrunners are unique in that they are one of the few known bird species that do not build their own nests, instead of finding all sorts of unusual places to sleep depending on the weather, such as burrows and rock crevices.
What is the lifespan of a roadrunner?
The lifespan of a roadrunner can range from 7 to 8years, depending on the level of care it receives. Sexual maturity is reached at two to three years of age.
Do roadrunners stay in one area?
No, Roadrunners don’t stay in one area. They live and forage over a broad area that could cover over 100 miles for males, and 25 miles for females. The smaller territory of the female may be due to her larger food requirements since she is also on the nest and brooding all the time. The distance between the mated pair could be as much as 90 miles.
