About the Cactus Wren
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,…
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The cactus wren is the largest wren in the United States. It is between 18 and 19 cm (7.1 and 7.5 in) long, and weighs between 33.4 and 46.9 g (1.18 and 1.65 oz), with an average of 38.9 g (1.37 oz). It has a thick, heavy bill that is dull black, curves slightly downwards, and is about the same length as the head. The lower mandible is grayish and pale, and the tail is long and rounded. The cactus wren's coloration is brown with white speckles. The crown is chocolate-brown with a light red tinge. Voice: The main call of the cactus wren is a harsh and raspy series of jar-jar-jar, or char, notes, which increase in volume and pitch as the song goes on. Each part of the call lasts around four seconds, with four to eight seconds between calls; calls can carry up to 300 metres (1,000 ft). Cornell University ornithologists described it as sounding "like a car that just won't start".
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Rufous-backed WrenCampylorhynchus capistratusThe adult rufous-backed wren is 17 cm (6.7 in) long and weighs 29 to 42 g (1.0 to 1.5 oz).
Band-backed WrenCampylorhynchus zonatusThis large wren breeds in lowlands and foothills from sea level up to 1700 m altitude in thinned forest or open woodland, scrub, second growth and groves around houses.
Thrush-like WrenCampylorhynchus turdinusThe thrush-like wren is a South American species of bird in the family Troglodytidae, the wrens.
Side by side: Cactus Wren vs Rock Wren · Cactus Wren vs Rufous-backed Wren · Band-backed Wren vs Cactus Wren
Learn the Cactus Wren for real
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