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Birds in Nature - images of wild birds by Richard Ditch |
Species Profile: Cactus Wren
Species Name: Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)
Description: Length: 8.5 inches; largest of the wrens. Streaked brown above, pale whitish yellow to tan below. Buffy on flanks. Spotted breast, heaviest on adults sometimes forming solid black bib. Long brown tail barred with black; outer tail feathers marked with black and white. White stripe over eye. Bill longish and strongly de curved.
Range: A bird of the desert southwest, occurring in the southwestern half of Texas, the southern half of New Mexico, the southern 2/3rds of Arizona, southern California, extending into parts of Nevada and Utah, and south through much of Mexico.
USGS Breeding Bird Survey Range Map
USGS Christmas Bird Count Distribution Map
Behavior: A loud and active bird in desert areas, with a harsh repetitive guttural call unlike other birds. Makes football-shaped nest in cholla cactus, saguaro, palo verde, or yucca, preferring security of cactus spines to protect nest. Make many nests in single territory, using some for roosting.Pair for life; maintain territory year round and do not migrate.
Actively search out insects and edible seeds throughout territory, using long bill for probing much like thrashers.
Does not habit of uplifted tail as other wrens do.
Related or Similar Species: Largest and most distinct of the US wrens: House, Winter, Carolina, Bewick's, Marsh, Sedge, Canyon, and Rock Wren.
Identification: Markings unmistakable. In size and shape more like a thrasher than the other wrens.
Advice on Finding and Photographing: Listen for distinctive calls in proper habitat in southwestern US, especially around cholla cactus and small bushes and mesquites. Inquisitive and can often be attracted by making noise. Easily attracted to meal worms.Images
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