![]() ![]() The entrance is about 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) in diameter and opens into a passageway leading to a cavity about 7.5 cm (3 inches) in diameter. ![]() The nest is about 30.5 cm (12 inches) long. The exterior of the breeding nest is pouch-shaped with an opening at one end. Secondary nests are built by the male in the vicinity of the breeding nest and are used for roosting by the male, recently fledged birds, or as breeding nests for subsequent broods (Anderson and Anderson 1973). If it is still intact in the spring the roosting nest may be reworked and used for breeding, or a completely new nest may be built. The roosting nest is built at the end of the breeding season and is used during the winter. Wrens in New Mexico initiate egg-laying when high temperatures predict favorable conditions for the emergence of band-winged grasshoppers during the time they will be feeding their nestlings (Marr and Raitt 1983)īREEDING HABITAT: Cactus Wrens build roosting, breeding, and secondary nests. An early egg date of 2 January has been recorded in Arizona (Anderson and Anderson 1973). Oberholser (1974) gives a range of egg dates from 12 March to 6 August with recently fledged young being seen as late as 11 September. The TBBA data document a nest with eggs as early as 21 March in Latilong 26098, Quad Cl and a nest with young as late as 21 June in Latilong 28099 Quad Bl. Although 3-7 eggs may be laid with 4-5 being cited as the usual number (Harrison 1978, Oberholser 1974), studies in Arizona and New Mexico have shown the usual number to be 3 or 4 (Anderson and Anderson 1973, Marr and Raitt 1983). Nest building normally begins in early February. SEASONAL OCCURRENCE: Cactus Wrens are permanent residents throughout their range in Texas. Cactus wrens occur from near sea level to altitudes of 1829 meters (6000 feet). Dust bathing is performed each evening before going to roost but water bathing is seldom observed (Anderson and Anderson 1973).ĭISTRIBUTION: The Cactus Wren is a permanent resident in southwestern Texas but is notably absent as a breeding species in most of the Panhandle, eastern Texas, and the middle and upper Texas coast. ![]() Most of their water requirement is apparently derived from the insects and cactus fruits that are eaten (Bent 1948, Anderson and Anderson 1973). Cactus Wrens are also fond of sweet corn and will even eat dry cornmeal from a gravity feeder (Bent 1948, Casto 1973). In southern Texas the facial feathers of those wrens eating the tunas of prickly pear are often stained reddish by the juice. Wasps, weevils, grasshoppers, bugs and spiders, as well as the fruits of various cacti, elderberry, hackberry and cascara buckthorn. Small debris is often lifted with the bill while the wren peers beneath for hidden prey. Flights are usually short, direct, and close to the ground.Ĭactus Wrens forage in shrubs and trees for insects or on the ground where they diligently search for food. They often sing from an exposed perch and on the ground they may run swiftly but usually fly if going any distance. Cactus Wrens are extremely curious and closely inspect everything within their domain, often entering sheds and parked cars when the doors or windows are left open. ![]() Those birds that forage and nest around human habitations become accustomed to people and show little fear in their presence. It is usually seen singly or in pairs, but near the end of the breeding season occurs in small family groups (Oberholser 1974). The Cactus Wren is a resident of the brush lands of southwestern Texas. ![]()
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