Largest US wren. Specialized for desert cactus habitats.

Also called: Cactus

Native status: Native; southwestern US into Mexico

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 18–22 cm (7.1–8.7 in); wingspan 28 cm
Weight32–47 g (1.1–1.6 oz)
LifespanWild typically 7–10 years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyTroglodytidae

§ Encyclopedia

The cactus wren is a species of wren that is endemic to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. It is the state bird of Arizona, and the largest wren in the United States. Its plumage is brown, with black and white spots as markings. It has a distinctive white eyebrow that sweeps to the nape of the neck. The chest is white, whereas the underparts are cinnamon-buff colored. Both sexes appear similar. The tail, as well as flight feathers, are barred in black and white. Their song is a loud raspy chirrup; akin in the description of some ornithologists to the sound of a car engine that will not start. It is well-adapted to its native desert environment, and the birds can meet their water needs from their diet which consists chiefly of insects, but also of some plant matter. The cactus wren is a poor flier and generally forages for food on the ground. Ornithologists generally recognize seven subspecies, with the exact taxonomy under dispute.

Source: Wikipedia — Cactus wren Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large brown wren with white eye stripe, heavily spotted breast, and barred wings and tail.

Similar species. Curve-billed Thrasher (longer bill, different markings). Other wrens are much smaller.

Voice. Distinctive low-pitched "char-char-char-char" car-starter-like call given persistently from prominent perches.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (primary): grasshoppers, beetles, ants, true bugs; small reptiles, fruit, and seeds opportunistically. Gets nearly all water from food — rarely drinks.

Behavior. State bird of Arizona. Largest US wren. Builds bulky football-shaped stick nests inside cholla cactus or other thorny vegetation — cactus spines deter predators. Pairs maintain multiple nests year-round for roosting and breeding. Forms long-term pair bonds.

§ Range

Southwestern US deserts

§ Habitat

Desert thornscrub

§ Threats

Desert habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the cactus wren is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support southwestern desert conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Tucson Audubon
  • National Audubon Society
  • IUCN Red List 2017