The Greater Roadrunner is probably the most conspicuous bird in the Arizona desert. These speedy birds can travel up to 17 miles per hour on land when seeking prey or fleeing from harm. They are a fixture around our place and prey on snakes and lizards on the adobe walls and rock ledges around the ranch. Rattlesnakes are a favorite on its menu in fact I have seen one coral a small rattler and scoop up the coiled reptile by the tail. It is a member of the cuckoo family and anyone who watches this seemingly comical bird remarks on its hunting skills and curiosity. They live up to 8 years in the wild are about 20-24 inches in length and weigh 8-24 ounces. Here a bird peers into my office window.I have a feeling someone was feeding this one because it didn’t seem to be afraid of humans.