Head to head
Squirrel Cuckoo vs Greater Roadrunner
The squirrel cuckoo and the greater roadrunner both belong to the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, but they have adapted to almost opposite lifestyles: one bounds through rainforest branches like a squirrel, the other has largely given up flying to sprint across the desert floor.
| Squirrel Cuckoo | Greater Roadrunner | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Piaya cayana | Geococcyx californianus |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Habitat | Neotropical forest | Desert, scrub, and grassland of the southwestern US and Mexico |
| Movement style | Arboreal, bounding through branches | Ground-dwelling, runs up to about 30 km/h |
| Diet | Insectivore, gleaning caterpillars and insects | Carnivore, eating lizards, snakes, scorpions, and small mammals |
| Raises own young | Yes, builds its own nest | Yes, builds its own nest |
| Size | Smaller, with a long trailing tail | About 55 cm long, half of it tail |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Squirrel Cuckoo vs Greater Roadrunner: common questions
Are the squirrel cuckoo and the greater roadrunner both cuckoos?
Yes, both belong to the cuckoo family, Cuculidae, despite their very different appearances and lifestyles, one arboreal and tree-dwelling, the other a ground-running desert specialist.
Which of the two flies better?
The squirrel cuckoo is a capable flier that moves readily through forest branches, while the greater roadrunner flies only weakly and briefly, relying almost entirely on running instead.
Do either of these birds lay eggs in other birds' nests?
No, unlike the brood-parasitic cuckoos most people think of, both the squirrel cuckoo and the greater roadrunner build their own nests and raise their own young.