cactus wren

noun

1. any American wren of the genus Campylorhynchus, of arid regions, especially C. brunneicapillus, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cactus wren¹

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70

Example Sentences

At times, the only sounds came from the creek, the breeze rustling the oaks and the chirps of the yellow warbler and cactus wren, Arizona’s state bird.

From Los Angeles Times

There was nothing except the keening wind and the rasping call of a cactus wren somewhere in the rocks.

From Literature