Clutches consist of 4-5 buff colored eggs, speckled with brown. The female incubates the first clutch for approximately 16 days, beginning with the first egg laid, while the male builds secondary nests and defends the territory. Both parents feed the young and fledging occurs at 19-23 days. Additional nests, built by the males, can be used to rear second, sometimes third, broods. Behavior The Cactus Wren is an active and inquisitive bird, behaviorally well adapted to arid desert climates.
Flight is primarily low over the ground.
The use of thorny trees and shrubs for nesting sites helps defend against predators. Territories are aggressively defended by the male throughout the breeding season. This probably represents competition for food and predator-free space. The male Cactus Wren, like other wrens, will often build six or more secondary nests within its territory that can be abandoned at any stage. Danger and warning calls consist of a rapid buzz of varying intensity.