Cactus Wren - Arizona's State Bird

Photo by Bill Whiting

Saguaro fruits are eaten by many birds such as Arizona's state bird since 1931, the cactus wren.  It usually eats insects like ants and wasps, but a little fruit is a nice change.  These wrens are the largest of the wren family at 7-9 inches.  Males and females look similar to each other and mate for life.  Only found in the U.S. in deserts of the Southwest, the cactus wrens are well-adapted to the arid climate as they get their water from food, and won't even drink out of available water sources.  They can perch on the sharpest of cactus spines, and love to cradle their nests in the prickliest of cacti, especially cholla or saguaro, to take advantage of the protection.  The cactus wren's adaptation to the desert makes it the perfect state symbol.  The saguaro is a one-stop shop for the wren, with housing and dining available.