Cactus Wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
The oldest recorded cactus wren was a male, and was at least 8 years and 1 month old when it was identified in California by a leg band in 2013. It had been banded in the same state in 2006.
Did
you
know?
The cactus wren is a fascinating bird. As the state bird of Arizona, we know they like to live in the hot, desert area of the United States. As expected from their name, they love to eat cactus fruit and get most of their water from the cactus fruit or from insects.
Most birds build nest during breeding season and for bringing up their young. However, both the female and male cactus wrens build multiple nests and use them as roosting sites even in nonbreeding season. Before they head back to their nest, they will most likely take a dust bath. Several other species take dust baths as well. The dust baths help reduce feather parasites and keeps them looking good.
Fun
Fact!
Although they rarely make a sound, cactus wrens are often compared to the sound of a car engine turning over before it can start!
