Cactus wrens are found in California and east to Texas, and extend to Baja California and Mexico. They occur in southwestern San Bernardino County in washed and lower slopes from Yucaipa including the Santa Ana River, Lytle, Cajon and Mill Creeks. They are scare due to habitat loss and degradation.

Cactus wren occur in native scrub with stands of cholla and prickly-pear cactus in which they nest. Nest are tucked into the cactus which spines provide protection from predators. Their diet consists of mostly insects such as grasshoppers, ants, beetles and wasps, but they have also been known to eat vegetation and prickly-pear fruit. They are year-round residents and tend to have high site fidelity.

Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are the primary threats to cactus wrens. Management includes habitat protection and restoration, including the development of cactus stands and nonnative plant removal.