Cactus Wren

The Cactus Wren is the largest wren in the United States at well over eight inches tall.  This bird is synonymous with the cactus country of the southwest.  It is a common permanent resident of the desert regions of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.  Brown overall, this bird is heavily streaked over most of its body with a light buff underneath.  Its crown is black or dark brown and heavy white pronounced eye-stripe is prominent.  Its throat is heavily streaked, making it appear from a distance as if its throat is completely black.  Its bill is deeply curved and black.  Its tail is relatively long and barred.

The preferred habitat of the Cactus Wren is the desert, but it may be found in mixed desert locations and other arid areas.  It has adapted well to communities that have overtaken the desert, even frequenting birdfeeders.  This bird is best know for its loud raspy calls, a rapid drawn out cha cha cha cha cha cha.  The calls can be heard anytime of the day or year.  Often it is the first bird we wake up to in the morning along with Gambel's Quail.

Living in the desert, the Cactus Wren feeds mainly on insects but during seasonal abundance it takes seeds and cactus fruit.  It takes nectar from cactus flowers as well as insects hidden in the flowers and feeds on the ground as well.  In addition, Cactus Wrens have been observed feeding on smashed bugs on car grills, going as far as creeping behind the grill guard to pick insects from the radiator!

This information taken from Favorite Birds of the Southwest by Dick Schnikel and David Mohrhardt.

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Last modified: July 06, 2005