CACTUS WREN. 
713. Heleodytes brunneicapillus. 814 inches. 
Cactus groves are the favorite resorts of these large 
Wrens. Often a bed of cactus not more than thirty 
feet square will contain the homes of half a dozen pairs 
of them. Like all the members of the family, they are 
very sprightly and have violent tempers, scolding anyone 
or anything that incurs their displeasure. 
Nest.—lheir nests are placed in cactus or other 
thorny shrubs; they are very large, purse-shaped affairs 
with an entrance on the side; they are made of little 
thorny twigs and grasses woven together, and the in- 
terior is warmly lined with feathers. The four or five 
egos are creamy white, finely sprinkled with reddish 
brown (.95 x .65). Two or three broods are often raised 
in a season. 
Range.—Southwestern border of the United States, 
ranging from southern Texas to California. 
