Birds of North America
Puzzle 34 · Desert and Canyon Country · Page 54 in print
Cactus Wren
Cactus Wrens keep using their nests after breeding ends. They return to the enclosed structures for shelter at night throughout the year.
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The words
Cactus Fruit
Fruit food that contributes nutrients and water.
Cholla
A spiny cactus in which Cactus Wrens may build nests.
Desert Willow
A flowering tree occurring in suitable habitat.
Doorstep
A small perch outside the narrow nest entrance.
Growling
The sound made when adults begin pairing behavior.
Mojave
A desert region occupied by the species.
Nest Tunnel
The narrow passage leading into the football-shaped nest.
Night Shelter
The nest is used as a sleeping place throughout the year.
Palo Verde
A desert tree associated with the wren’s habitat.
Sage Scrub
Coastal sage scrub is a Cactus Wren habitat in California.
Shade Foraging
Searching for food in shaded places as temperatures increase.
Tamaulipas
A Mexican state whose thorn scrub supports Cactus Wrens.
Thorns
Sharp plant defenses surrounding and protecting a nest.
Water Intake
Most of the bird’s water is obtained through its food.
Whitethorn
A thorny shrub found in the bird’s desert habitat.
Sources
- Cactus Wren: Life HistoryCornell Lab of Ornithology