Did You Know? Greater Roadrunner

Jessie LooneyThe Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is most common in desert areas, but it can also be found in chaparral, grasslands, open woodlands, and agricultural areas. It is a poor flyer but can run at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. It uses its long tail as a type of rudder to help it keep its balance while running. Our Roadrunner came to us for our SuperWild exhibit, which celebrates animal super powers.

He’ll be staying with us after SuperWild ends (September 7) and can be found next to our Burrowing Owls on Raptor Row (which features native birds that cannot survive in the wild on their own). He recently slowed down enough for us to snap a few photos of him.

Did You Know? Bird Poop Frog

Did You Know? Bird Poop Frog:

Bird Poop FrogThe Bird Poop Frog (it’s really called that) is also called the Pied Warty Frog or the Hill Garden Bug-eyed Frog and its Latin name is Theloderma asperum. But just look at it.  This frog sits on branches and blends in with any other bird droppings that might be there, making it virtually invisible to something searching for a tasty frog snack.

This adaptation is like a super power, which is why the Bird Poop Frog is one of the animal stars of our SuperWild exhibit.