| Cactus Wren | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Troglodytidae |
| Genus: | Campylorhynchus |
| Species: | Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus |
The Cactus Wren is a North American species of wren that lives in the desert and makes its nest in cactus trees. It is the state bird of Arizona.
Description[]
The Cactus Wren reaches a length of 18 to 22 cm, a wingspan of 20 to 30 cm, and its mass varies from 32 to 47 grams. The tail is usually raised high. The beak is slightly curved, with its upper part black-brown in color, and the lower part yellowish in color. The iris of the eyes is dark brown. In adults, the head is reddish brown to light brown along with a white supercilium present. The chin is light, while the throat is dark. The chest and belly are light orange-yellow in color with black and brown spots. The rest of the plumage is brown with a lot of unevenly covered white spots. There is no sexual dimorphism displayed within these birds. Juveniles are similar to adults, but with a paler coloration.
Voice[]
Vocalizations consist of sequential, usually very loud, rough or hoarse sounds of varying intensity and intonation.
Behavior[]
It nests in cactus plants, sometimes in a hole in a saguaro, sometimes where its nest will be protected by the prickly cactus spines of a cholla or leaves of a yucca. The Cactus Wren forms permanent pair bonds, and the pairs defend a territory where they live all through the year. In residential areas, Cactus Wrens are notorious for getting into mischief. Being curious birds, it is not uncommon for these wrens to be found flying about out-of-place in automobiles where the owner has left a window open or it may even enter homes with an open door or window and find itself trapped. The cactus wren primarily eats insects, including ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and wasps. Occasionally, it will take seeds, fruits, small reptiles and frogs. Foraging begins late in the morning and is versatile; the Cactus Wren will search under leaves and ground litter and overturn objects in search of insects, as well as feeding in the foliage and branches of larger vegetation. Increasing temperatures cause a shift in foraging behavior to shady and cooler microclimates, and activity slows during hot afternoon temperatures. Almost all water is obtained from food, and free-standing water is rarely used even when found.
Distribution and Habitat[]
The Cactus Wren is native to Southern California and Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, Utah, and northern Mexico. It is a bird of arid regions, and is often found around yucca, mesquite or saguaro. Birds tolerate human proximity well and often nest near houses and busy roads. Even if disturbed, they do not leave the nest. Moreover, curiosity inherent in these wrens often makes them fly into open windows of buildings and cars.