Greater Roadrunner vs Lesser Roadrunner

Greater Roadrunner

Geococcyx californianus

Large376 gShrubland

The greater roadrunner is about 52–62 cm (20–24 in) long, has a 43–61 cm (17–24 in) wingspan, and weighs 221–538 g (7.8–19.0 oz). It stands around 25–30 cm (9+3⁄4–11+3⁄4 in) tall and is the largest cuckoo of the Americas. The upper body is mostly brown with black streaks and sometimes pink spots. The neck and upper breast are white or pale brown with dark brown streaks, and the belly is white. Voice: The vocalizations of the greater roadrunner have seven distinct variants. The most frequent call is a slow and descending sequence of about six low, "cooing" noises, emitted by the male and which is heard at 820 ft (250 m). This call is usually made early in the morning, from a high perch such as a fence post, dead tree, or cactus.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Gordon Leggett · CC BY 4.0

Lesser Roadrunner

Geococcyx velox

Medium180 gShrubland

The lesser roadrunner is a slender bird that reaches a length of 46 to 51 cm (18 in), the tail itself accounting for about 24 cm (9.4 in). Its average length is 46 cm (18 in). The male weighs 174–207 grams (6.1–7.3 oz), while the female weighs 162–192 grams (5.7–6.8 oz). The crown, crest and neck of the lesser roadrunner are black with a bronze glow and small light brown spots. The back neck is black-brown, with feathers are lined with a pale brown, so that a brown-white dashes arises.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Chao Shi · CC0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Greater Roadrunner and Lesser Roadrunner.