A Mexican bird, casually found north to the Mexican borders of the United States. It has a heavy, thick bill; black; and the plumage is entirely green, except for the deep red forehead and wings at the shoulder; under-coverts of wings yellowish. Their eggs are white and laid in natural cavities of trees in the deep forests.
Order—COCCYGES.
ROADRUNNER.
385. Geococcyx californicus. 22 inches.
This curious species is known as the “Chaparral Cock,” “Ground Cuckoo,” “Snake Killer,” etc. Its upper parts are a glossy greenish brown, each feather being edged or fringed with white. The tail is very long, broad and graduated, the central feathers being much the longest; the feathers being tipped with white. They are noted for their swiftness of foot, getting over the ground at an astonishing rate, aided by their outstretched wings and spread tail, which act as aeroplanes. Their legs are long, and they have two toes in front and two back. Their food consists of caterpillars, lizards and small snakes.
CALIFORNIA CUCKOO.
387a. Coccyzus americanus occidentalis. 13 inches.
This bird is the same as the eastern variety, except being a little larger and the bill more stout. It may be distinguished by its blackish, long tail, tipped with white, and its yellow under-bill. Reddish brown patch on the wings.
Nest.—Is made of twigs loosely put together, and lined with grass, or shreds of grape vine bark. The nests are generally very shabbily built and so nearly flat on top that the eggs will frequently roll out. They are located near the ground in low bushes or trees; three or four eggs are deposited at intervals of several days, and frequently young birds and eggs are found in the nest at the same time. Like the Flicker this bird will continue laying if one egg is removed at a time, and as many as twelve have been taken from the same nest by this means. Eggs are a pale greenish blue (1.20 × .90).