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This cactus might look as if it's flashing a smile as it waves at passers-by.

But it isn't simply a case of the plant feeling spine.

Its friendly face and welcoming stance is in fact the work of greedy house guests.

With two small holes towards the top of a spine, and a larger one placed just below, the desert plant really does look as if it has two round eyes and a gaping mouth.

And there's no denying that two of its smaller spines resemble arms - one waving.

(Image: Rex)

Sadly, though, it hasn't been sprinkled with some kind of magic dust that has brought it to life - the holes are merely evidence of nesting birds.

This particular saguaro cactus was found in Tucson, Arizona, although the plant - which grows to the size of a tree - is also native to Mexico and California.

Several different kinds of birds are known to create nest holes in saguaro cacti.

In this case, however, the craters are likely to be the busy beak work of the gilded flicker - a large type of woodpecker, which tends to target higher-up arears.