The Cactus Wren is a photograph by Robert Bales which was uploaded on November 11th, 2014.
The Cactus Wren
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... more
by Robert Bales
Title
The 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
November 11th, 2014
More from Robert Bales
Comments (32)
Don Columbus
Congratulations Robert, your work is Featured in "A Birding Group - Wings" I invite you to place it in the group's "2019 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!! L/Tweet
Bill And Deb Hayes
Excellent capture Robert with clarity of details, colors and the background is stunning. L/F
William Tasker
Amazingly vivid and colorful! Love the shot, Robert! Your beautiful image has been featured by Wild Birds Of The World, a nature photography group. L/F
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much William for the feature, congrats and the invite along with the LF!!
Don Columbus
Congratulations Robert, your work is Featured in "Birds In Focus" I invite you to place it in the group's "2018 Featured Image Archive" Discussion!! L/Tweet
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks so much Don for the feature, congrats and the invite along with the LTw!!
Robert Frederick
Great profile shot and composition - I like the way the colors show against the blue LFGT
Lydia Holly
Such detail and great texture on this bird Robert! l/f/tw
Robert Bales replied:
Thanks Lydia for the nice comment on the texture and detail along with the LFTw!!