Flight Of The Roadrunner

Roadrunners will fly only when necessary.  

 Picture from SCV News

They fly close to the ground when they are going down hill or sense that a predator is near,  but they can only stay off the ground for a few seconds at a time.  Roadrunners can run up to 17 mph and sprint briefly at much higher speeds in pursuit of prey.

Roadrunner's Dating & Mating Bribery

 Food is an important component of the mating ritual for roadrunners.

 Picture from Birding Information

Courtship behavior between roadrunners involve the male’s foot pursuit of the female, with frequent rests. The male will tempt the female with a morsel such as a lizard or snake dangling from its beak. If the female accepts the offered food, the pair will probably mate. Often times roadrunners will mate for life.