TERRITORY

Occupying a territory up to a half-mile in diameter, the male and female Greater Roadrunners will defend their home turf together against the fiercest of predators. That’s a lot of ground to cover, enough to put their speed and intelligence to the test daily. And their defense is fierce, beating their foes against a rock until it poses no more of a threat. This couple’s tactics are far from couth. 

That’s why I’m a bit biased toward this desert bird. Their protective ways make others feel uncomfortable, but they offer no apologies. Unrefined? Yes, but never misunderstood. These black and white creatures are quick to call a spade a spade. They don’t make a lot of chit-chat, but reserve their coos for declaring where the territory lines lie, and then... defend it to the death.  

Dear trespassers, see all those rocks? Your days are numbered.