New Mexico is the traditional homeland of the Navajo and Pueblo people. The Zia, a branch of the Pueblo community, migrated to New Mexico during the 13th century. They built cisterns to collect water and used a variety of innovative farming techniques to sustain themselves in a desert environment with limited rainfall.
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Geococcyx californianus - The greater roadrunner is found in the southwestern regions of the United States and throughout Mexico. It is a member of the Cuculidae family, the cuckoos, and has the fastest ground speed of any flighted birds; it can run at speeds reaching 32 km/h. They use their speed to run down potential meals. Roadrunners are able to fly short distances, but flying is reserved for escaping from dangerous situations such as approaching coyotes; roadrunners, despite popular beliefs, cannot outrun coyotes.
