What is the State Bird of Arizona? (And Why?)

Arizona is the sixth largest state in the United States by area and the 14th most populous in the United States. It is known for its desert landscapes in the south and woodlands in the north. Arizona’s state animal is the ringtail, but what is the state bird?

In 1931, Arizona elected the cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) as its state bird. The cactus wren, the largest wren in North America, thrives in the arid climate of its home in the southwestern United States. Although the bird does not appear on threatened or endangered lists, it enjoys national protection.

Arizona’s state bird, the Cactus Wren.

Why is the cactus wren the state bird of Arizona?

Arizona recognizes its state bird for its native status and unique song. It chose the cactus wren, in part because the state could have a bird to itself. Since becoming the 48th state, Arizona has known how many states share birds, although there is hardly a shortage of birds in the United States. According to the Tucson Audubon Society, the bird’s song consists of “a staccato chatter.” This large, bold bird has earned a reputation as the king of the desert.

When did the cactus wren become Arizona’s state bird?

Nineteen years after Arizona achieved statehood, a campaign to promote the state bird began, led by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, which wanted to name the state bird before the 1931 Biennial Board of Governors meeting. GFWC recommended cactus wrens to the Arizona Legislature. The legislature complied.

Arizona cactus wren perched on a rock

What does Arizona’s state bird look like?

This bird blends in with the desert with its handsome appearance in deep cream and tan. Behind each eye, the bird has a white eye stripe. It has black and brown spots on its chest and throat, while its tail and wings have black stripes that contrast with the color of its creamy tan plumage. It is interspersed with brown and white plumage. Its overall appearance is a milky brown bird with black and white patterns all over its body. Its barely curved beak matches the creamy brown color of its chest.

From head to tail, a cactus wren measures 7.1 to 7.5 inches. Its wingspan ranges from 8 to 12 inches. These little birds don’t weigh much — just 1.18 ounces to 1.65 ounces. These birds live in the wild and are usually between 7 and 10 years old.

Cactus Wren Perched On A Cactus

How are these birds behaving?

Monogamous cactus wrens love being parents. They may breed multiple times a year, sometimes requiring them to erect two nests to house all the chicks. Sometimes these hardworking birds need to build a third nest for their many young. Their annual breeding season runs from late February to March.

The female wren incubates one set of eggs, while the male bird builds a second nest alone after the couple builds the initial nest together. These Arizona cactus wrens build nests that are shaped like footballs and about the same size, and are made of grasses and annuals. They may include scraps of cloth or fiber looted while exploring its territory. Entry and exit are through openings at one end of the nest. They choose cacti as their nesting trees to provide protection for their young. They will be built in Acacia, Jolla, Palo Verde or Cactus. If you have a large enough hanging pot in your yard, this resourceful bird may choose it as an ideal nesting site.

Male and female cactus wrens mate for life. Often, their broods overlap, so these wrens fully share parenting responsibilities. The mother bird incubates the second or third set of eggs, while the father cares for the first (and sometimes second) set of chicks. They protect their established territory (where they live year-round) and actively defend their nests from predators. Cactus wrens also destroy the nests of other birds, pecking at or removing their eggs. As these mockingbirds use their birdsong to attract their mates, mating birds appear less frequently. Birds that are not yet “married” sing more often to attract potential mates. It’s plural because mockingbirds “date”. Once they find their mate, though, mockingbirds marry for life. These monogamous couples build their nests out of grass, twigs, leaves and twigs, and reproduce. Their children follow the same pattern as they grow up.

Cactus Wren Gathering Nesting Material

Do cactus wrens form colonies?

Cactus wrens pair up and then reproduce. The couple developed a “unique greeting ritual”. This involves spreading their wings and tails, followed by a screeching sound. Each partner makes growl-like sounds at the other. They then give each other a light peck, an activity similar to covering each other in kisses.

These birds do not migrate. They establish territory and defend it year-round. These ferocious birds don’t usually need to fight, as they frighten away predators and other birds by shaking their feathers and tail and yelling (sounding like “scri”) at other animals.

If you can’t see the bird but hear it, you’ll recognize the wren by its husky call, char-char-char or jar-jar-jar. The “tek” sound they make warns you or the animal. If you hear “rack” repeatedly, it means the wren is looking for a mate. Chicks beg for food with “pee’p” or “dzip” sounds.

Cactus Wren Eating Cactus Fruit

What Do Cactus Wrens Eat?

Cactus wrens are carnivores, especially insectivores. They prefer many desert insects, but will also eat small reptiles. They also eat fruit and seeds. Favorite menu items include grasshoppers, beetles and other arthropods. They drink cactus nectar.

Parents feed their newborns. Parents feed the chicks whole insects until they reach maturity. They usually start by removing the insect’s legs and wings.

These clever birds can get very creative when the weather or climate affects their food storage. Cactus wrens have been observed scavenging dead insects from the radiator grills of vehicles. This usually happens in the late morning. Because they can’t fly very far, they forage on the ground. If turning leaves and other ground debris doesn’t produce the food they need, they investigate nearby vehicles.