General Description: Cactus Wrens (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) are the largest wrens around Las Vegas. They have a long, stout, slightly decurved bill, a brown cap, a bold white eyeline, and a black band across the top of the breast. There is considerable speckling on the flanks, and much of the remaining pattern has the appearance of speckling, streaking, and banding.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Troglodytidae.

Where to Find: Cactus Wrens are not common around Las Vegas, and they are considered a sensitive species, but they can be seen in many places in the desert. The easiest place to look for them is around the Visitor Center at Red Rock Canyon NCA where they build nests in and around the tortoise habitat (tortoise pen). They are also fairly common in parts of Gold Butte and in the Arrow Canyon Range, but it is harder to get there to see them.

Comments: Historically, Cactus Wrens have migrated out of our area during winter, but in recent years, some are staying all year. Cactus Wrens are interesting in that they use nests all year for shelter, not just for rearing young. They build covered nests in cholla cactus. It seems that the spines would be a problem, but I guess it is more of a problem for nest predators than it is for the birds.