Runners and Sitters

A short drive on back roads in northern Waller County and southern Grimes County often leads to encounters with two very different birds that symbolize Texas's rich regional bird biodiversity. The Greater Roadrunner darts back and forth across the roadway, its swift movements and bold presence capturing attention, while the diminutive Painted Bunting prefers to sit quietly, often in the middle of the road. The roadrunner seems to make jest of vehicles as it “beep, beeps” its way into the brush, disappearing as if it was never even there, whereas the Painted Bunting taunts oncoming cars until flitting away at the last minute. These two iconic Texas birds seem so different that they truly reflect the region's diverse avian life. One measures almost 2 feet, while the other barely reaches 5 inches. One is adorned in colorful feathers, envied by all, while the other is drab and inconspicuous. The bunting dines on seeds, while the roadrunner has a palate for poisonous scorpions, snakes, lizards, and just about anything it can catch. Slowing down and taking in the quiet of the back country roads is a perfect way to appreciate these two members of the feathered tribe and Texas's unique bird diversity. #KeepWallerWild #WildBirdAdventures

Greater Roadrunner

Painted Bunting