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Beep beep! Roadrunner sprints into Queens Zoo

The coyotes at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo may need to watch their backs from now on, since a Greater Roadrunner arrived at the zoo this week.The unnamed male bird is the only one of its kind at a New York City zoo. Roadrunners, made famous by the cartoon character that constantly clashed with Wile E. Coyote, have the fastest running speed of any flighted bird: They can tra
Watch out coyotes! A roadrunner has arrived in New York City.
Watch out coyotes! A roadrunner has arrived in New York City.Julie Larsen Maher / WCS
By Animal Tracks

The coyotes at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo may need to watch their backs from now on, since a Greater Roadrunner arrived at the zoo this week.

The unnamed male bird is the only one of its kind at a New York City zoo. Roadrunners, made famous by the cartoon character that constantly clashed with Wile E. Coyote, have the fastest running speed of any flighted bird: They can travel as fast as 25 miles per hour on foot.

The roadrunner's black, brown and white plumage provides camouflage and helps him hide from predators.
The roadrunner's black, brown and white plumage provides camouflage and helps him hide from predators.Julie Larsen Maher / WCS

While roadrunners don't really make a "beep beep" sound, they do use a variety of calls with specific meanings. Some calls warn of impending danger, while others attract mates. These birds are native to the American Southwest and Mexico, where the Wildlife Conservation Society has a number of field projects as part of its conservation efforts.

As their name implies, roadrunners are known for running quickly across roads and away from moving vehicles in the Southwest.
As their name implies, roadrunners are known for running quickly across roads and away from moving vehicles in the Southwest.Julie Larsen Maher / WCS
Roadrunners remain active and healthy in captivity with the help of zookeepers, who often hide food in their exhibit to encourage foraging.
Roadrunners remain active and healthy in captivity with the help of zookeepers, who often hide food in their exhibit to encourage foraging.Julie Larsen Maher / WCS

As for the zoo's resident coyotes, don't worry: They won't be near the roadrunner. The new bird can be seen in the thick-billed parrot exhibit, while the coyotes will remain in the Wild Side section — hopefully far away from any anvils!

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