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photograph of cactus wrenCactus wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

Body length: 8 1/2"
Diet: Fruit, insects, seeds, and nectar
Voice: Low pitched, harsh , rapid, cha cha cha cha cha.
Nest: Fine grass and straw, lined with feathers and hair. 4 or 5 buff eggs, heavily speckled with brown.

This is the largest wren in the US. It often builds nests in the teddy bear cholla, as protection from snakes and other animals that might try to eat the eggs or babies. Cactus Wrens forage for food under leaves and other ground litter. Like other wrens, they build "dummy" nests for roosting.

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                        Updated May 8, 2005