Cactus Wren Similar Species Comparison

Large chunky wren with a long heavy bill, a long, rounded tail, and short, rounded wings. Speckled brown bird with a bright white eyebrow and cinnamon sides.

Large chunky wren with a long heavy bill and a long, rounded tail. The back is brown with heavy white streaks, and the tail is barred white and black—especially noticeable from below.

Inquisitive and bold wren that often perches out in the open. Does not cock its tail like other wrens.

Hefty wren with dark spotting on the the breast often concentrated around the throat. Note white eyebrow stripe and long barred tail.

Bold and inquisitive. Often perches atop tall vegetation, but does not cock its tail the way other wrens do.

Large wren with a bold white eyebrow and white streaks down its brown back. Its long tail is barred black and white.

Builds large football-shaped nests with tunnel-shaped entrances in cacti or other thorny shrubs. Uses nests as roosting sites even during the nonbreeding season.

Found in deserts, arid foothills, coastal sage scrub, and urban areas throughout the Southwestern deserts, especially in areas with thorny shrubs, cholla, and prickly pear.