The genus Campylorhynchus is derived from Greek words meaning curved beak. No differences between breeding and nonbreeding plumage. The tail is not usually held cocked as in most other wrens.
Juveniles resemble adults but have lighter, smaller chest spots and shorter tails.
The song is a low raspy cha cha cha cha cha, very reminiscent of a car's engine trying to turn over on a cold winter day. Ranges from southern California, southern Nevada, southwest Utah, central New Mexico, and central and southern Texas to central Mexico. Year-round resident in southern, western, and central Arizona in deserts with thorny vegetation. The cactus wren is abundant below 4,000 feet in Arizona, but has been found up to 6,000 feet in New Mexico. The cactus wren is an active, inquisitive, and adaptable bird found commonly in most Arizona deserts, making it an appropriate choice for the state bird.