Sleeping Cactus Wren
by Robert Bales
Title
Sleeping Cactus Wren
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
The Cactus Wren is the largest North American wren, at 18 to 23 cm (7.1 to 9.1 in) long. Unlike the smaller wrens, the Cactus Wren is easily seen. It has the loud voice characteristic of wrens. The Cactus Wren is much less shy than most of the family. Its marked white eyestripe, brown head, barred wings and tail, and spotted tail feathers make it easy to identify. Like most birds in its genus, it has a slightly curved bill. There is little sexual dimorphism.
The Cactus Wren is an active mobbed of nest predators. A pair was observed attacking a Yuma antelope squirrel so vigorously that the squirrel became impaled on the thorns of a cactus called the cholla. The wrens continued to peck the squirrel until it was knocked to the ground where it escaped.
The Cactus Wren destroys the nests of other bird species, pecking or removing their eggs, and can lower the breeding density of Verdins (another desert bird).
Cold desert nights may have more of an impact on the success of Cactus Wren breeding than extremely hot daytime temperature.
Uploaded
March 31st, 2016
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Viewed 2,179 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/28/2024 at 1:26 PM
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Comments (39)
Barbie Corbett-Newmin
This brilliant shot has glorious back light and composition! Hw did you catch it sleeping?lf
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks, Barbie for the visit, the nice comments and I didn't notice that it was!! Used a big lens!!
Felipe Adan Lerma
Wow what a terrific description to go with an outstanding image mirroring their lifestyle of owning their space! This little guy with its halo of light certainly looks like it rules its airspace! L/f! :)
Cheryl Rose
Stunning capture. Great highlighting of the wren and cactus by the light background! And the description was so interesting! LF
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Cheryl for the nice comment on the lighting and they sure are very interesting to watch!! Thanks for the LF!!
Kathy Krause
Beautiful capture Robert of this "Sleeping Cactus Wren!" thank you so much for your description! L/F