Swallow much of their food whole. Not well adapted for flight. Can glide for short distances although they prefer to run. Uses its footlong tail as a combination rudder and flap, swiveling it in order to change course, or raising it upright in order to come to a stop. Coloration of its feathers blends with its surroundings and acts as camouflage.
Roadrunners pair permanently.
Disorganized nest composed of sticks, feathers, old snake skins and rubble. The hen tramples a slight hollow in the center of this debris and lays 3 to 8 eggs at infrequent intervals. Both parents care for the young. The nesting season correlates with food supply. This exposes a dark patch of skin on the back that acts as a solar panel, saving energy at a rate of about 550 calories per hour for as long as it takes to raise body temperature back to normal.