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.
Region
Southwestern United States and northern–central Mexico
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan Desert regions from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, southern California, and Texas into Sonora, Baja California, Chihuahua, and central Mexican plateau thornscrub. It favors arid scrub and desert flats with abundant spiny cacti and thorny shrubs. Common around washes, desert edges, and suburban areas with native cactus landscaping. Nests are placed low to mid-height in cholla, prickly pear, saguaro, or thorny mesquite and acacia. It is largely sedentary, remaining on territories year-round.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The cactus wren is the largest wren in the United States and the state bird of Arizona. It builds bulky, football-shaped stick nests in cholla, prickly pear, and saguaro cacti, which help deter predators. Pairs often maintain several nests for breeding and roosting and defend territories year-round. Its song is a harsh, mechanical series of raspy notes often likened to a sputtering engine.
Adult perched in a honey mesquite tree
Composite image showing key identifying features: distinctive white eyebrows, barred feathers, and cinnamon-buff underparts
Landing in cholla while nest building, showing off primary and secondary flight feathers
Wren near the entrance of a nest in a cholla cactus. Despite the prickly thorns, this wren's plumage remains in good condition.
Saguaros are a favored perch from which to sing.
Typical habitat (with abundant cholla) in the McDowell Mountains of Arizona
A wren next to a nest lined with feathers. While nesting in jumping cholla is preferred, this wren has chosen another, less spiny, species of cholla.
Nest in cane cholla showing the tubelike entrance and loose globose construction
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically monogamous pairs that maintain permanent territories and remain together year-round. They build multiple large stick nests used for breeding and as night roosts, and may raise more than one brood per season. Nests are placed in spiny substrates for protection, and adults vigorously defend sites from intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, raspy, mechanical series of chrr-chrr or jar-jar notes delivered in steady rhythm. Calls include harsh scolds and chatter when alarmed. The voice carries well across open desert scrub.
