^{(Photograph = Cactus wren, Gerry)}

Introduction

The cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) is a common sight in the Western deserts, from West Texas to California and southern Nevada.

The Details

The cactus wren is reputed to survive without water. It gets all the water it needs from insects and small reptiles that it consumes.

The cactus wren is easy to spot; it seems to be the most common bird of the deserts. The cactus wren is the largest wren in the United States, and has characteristic markings. It has a distinctive white eye stripe, a barred tail, and barred wings. But, if you see a conspicuous bird flitting around the desert, chances are it is a cactus wren even if you can get close enough to see the markings.

The wrens nest in a variety of places including shrubs, trees, and hollows of all sorts. However, they are most famous for nesting in impossibly prickly chollas. They build a domed nest, often in the center of a cholla and seem impervious to spines.