What is the official bird of New Mexico?

The Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) was designated the official state bird of New Mexico in 1949. Also, called the chaparral bird, el corrrecaminos, and el paisano, the roadrunner specifically inhabits desert and shrubby land areas in the southwestern United States and south to central Mexico.

The Greater Roadrunner is found throughout much of New Mexico, mostly at lower elevations (up to 7,000 feet), and is most frequently seen running along side the roads and trails of the state. It can fly but only weakly and hesitates to do so. It has a long tail, a shaggy crest and is streaked brown below with a dusty background. Its back is normally olive to dark grayish brown.