Foraging begins late in the morning and is versatile: the cactus wren will search under leaves and ground litter and overturn objects in search of insects; as well as feeding in the foliage and branches of larger vegetation.[2] Some individuals have learned to take insects caught in vehicle radiator grills.[3] Increasing temperatures cause a shift in foraging behavior to shady and cooler microclimates, and activity slows during hot afternoons.[22] This is partly to conserve water and to thermoregulate, but also because their insect prey is more sluggish and thus easier to catch in cool temperatures.[5] Almost all water is obtained from food, and free-standing water is rarely used even when found.[6] The cactus wren can survive as a true xerophile, existing without any free water.