Cactus Wren Building a Nest — Image by kenne
This large wren prefers cholla cactus in which to their nest. The nest is built by both sexes is a bulky mass of weeds, grass, twigs, lined with feathers, animal hair, plant down. The nest is shaped like football lying on its side; entrance at one end, with a narrow tubular passage leading to nest chamber. While the female is incubating the eggs, the male will often build additional nests to serve as decoys.
— kenne
Cactus Wren Nest — Image by kenne
Desert Spring II — Image by kenne
I’m not shy, like others of my family.
My lady and I will both sing songs.
Though my Lady is the one who sits upon the eggs.
I will help feed the young just like any daddy should.
I am seven to eights inches long.
My head is brown, and I sport a white eye stripe.
My bill is slightly curved for digging for those bugs.
I’ll flash my spotted tail feathers and flap barred wings.
I hardly ever drink water, even when it there.
I get what I need from the things I eat.
I really love those ants, beetles and grasshoppers.
I will occasionally eat some seeds and fruits.
So if you travel to the deserts
down in the southwestern USA
Look among the cactus for a football nest.
There you might see us flying or at rest.
— wildfiredreamer
Cactus Wrens and Cactus Wren Nests Images by kenne (Click on any image to see slideshow.)
