Beep-Beep! Greater Roadrunner
Roadrunners run up to 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour), but can have sprints up to 26 mph (42 kph). This is the fastest running speed for any bird that can also fly, though larger flightless birds are faster than roadrunners. While running, roadrunners use their long tails for steering, balancing, and braking.
As terrestrial birds, roadrunners are powerful on the ground, but weaker in the air and typically fly in low, short, awkward glides. Whenever possible, they prefer to walk or run rather than take flight.
Beep-Beep! Greater Roadrunner
Roadrunners run up to 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour), but can have sprints up to 26 mph (42 kph). This is the fastest running speed for any bird that can also fly, though larger flightless birds are faster than roadrunners. While running, roadrunners use their long tails for steering, balancing, and braking.
As terrestrial birds, roadrunners are powerful on the ground, but weaker in the air and typically fly in low, short, awkward glides. Whenever possible, they prefer to walk or run rather than take flight.