Cactus Wren ... Alta Vincente Reserve Southern California_5873

"Those birds that forage and nest around human habitations become accustomed to people and show little fear in their presence. 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. They often sing from an exposed perch and on the ground they may run swiftly but usually fly if going any distance. Flights are usually short, direct, and close to the ground.

 

Cactus Wrens forage in shrubs and trees for insects or on the ground where they diligently search for food. Small debris is often lifted with the bill while the wren peers beneath for hidden prey. Food items include beetles, ants,

 

wasps, weevils, grasshoppers, bugs and spiders, as well as the fruits of various cacti, elderberry, hackberry and cascara buckthorn. In southern Texas the facial feathers of those wrens eating the tunas of prickly pear are often stained reddish by the juice. " txtbba.tamu.edu

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