I spent Saturday morning hiking around Wild Basin enjoying the beautiful weather. Just as I got to the overlook a bird popped out of the bushes. I stood very still and was able to get a photo. I was going through the birds in my head of what it could be and none seemed to make sense. I posted my observation and waited for others to help me identify it. Within hours several people identified the bird as the greater roadrunner. My iNaturalist observation is here.
The greater roadrunner can reach speeds of 20mph but when I saw it the bird was still so I’m not sure I could have identified it as a roadrunner. They eat snakes, lizards, and small birds, and do very well is harsh desert climates. You will find roadrunners in southeastern United States but you can find them as far north as Missouri. You can hear their call here, but please do not play it in the wild!
References:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Greater_Roadrunner/id