The Cactus Wren #2
by Robert Bales
Title
The Cactus Wren #2
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
February 8th, 2016
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Viewed 1,080 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 04/24/2024 at 8:32 PM
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Comments (22)
Don Columbus
Congratulations, your work is Featured in "Birds In Focus" I invite you to place it in the group's "2020 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!! L/Tweet
Debra Martz
I wonder how it got its name? :) Superb capture and congrats on the feature!
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much for the nice comments. I think it got its name because it nest in a certain type of cactus.
Lucinda Walter
Congratulations! Your beautiful work is featured in the FAA group "Beauty of Arizona" l/f
Miroslava Jurcik
Magnificent shot and perfect timing !! Beautiful bird as well ! And congratulation on your 1000 picture uploads !! l/f/t/p
Robert Bales replied:
Than ks for the nice comment and the congrats along with the LTPF !! I was not aware of the 1000.
Reynold Jay
He looks happy perches up there. Lovely in every way, Robert. FV,
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much for the comment an d they always seem that way!! Thanks so much for the FV!!