© 2005 Wes Siegrist.....Science Art-Birds

Title: Skeleton Song
Species: Cactus Wren (Campylorhyncus brunneicapillus)
Artist: Wes Siegrist (for further information, click on the artist's name)
Image size: 3" x 3"
Media: opaque watercolor on rag board
Date: 2005
Location: private collection in Oklahoma

In the southwestern US, in the Saguaro National Park located near Tucson, AZ it is not difficult to find the Arizona state bird, the Cactus Wren. But it is not as easy as it used to be, and it will probably get harder. During the last few decades, the number of people living in Arizona has increased by 25 percent, leading to losses in native vegetation to which even this robust, aggressive species may be unable to adapt.

The artist notes, "It seemed natural to paint this male atop a Saguaro skeleton with Palo Verde in view, as this is the habitat you can typically observe courtship and displays associated with territory maintenance." Territorial males may alternate songs 25-to-30 times. They vigorously protect their territory boundaries, and fight when provoked. Siegrist.explains that nest sites include the Spiny Teddybear Cholla, and the birds perch seemingly carefee atop the spines of the other Desert cacti that perhaps provide some protection.