Birds of Petrified Forest Ornament: Greater Roadrunner

Petrified Forest National Park is situated in a high-desert grassland, preserving 50,260 acres of wilderness.  Many forms of wildlife make their homes in the Petrified Forest, including hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds. 

This series of ornaments celebrates some of the most commonly spotted birds in the park.

An icon of the Southwest, the Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) prefers to stick to the ground.  While they can fly, they only do so to get away from threats.  They are opportunistic omnivores and will eat what they can catch, including venomous animals. 

Roadrunners are year-round residents of Petrified Forest National Park.