The Kalinago wren is a very small passerine bird in the wren family Troglodytidae that is found on the Caribbean island of Dominica. It was formerly also found on the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. The name troglodytes means "hole dweller", and is a reference to the bird's tendency to disappear into crevices when hunting insects or to seek shelter. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the house wren, now renamed the northern house wren.
Region
Lesser Antilles
Typical Environment
Confined to the island of Dominica, occupying a range of wooded habitats including secondary forest, forest edges, plantations, gardens, and scrubby ravines. It favors areas with dense understory, tangled vines, and fallen logs that provide both cover and foraging surfaces. The species readily uses natural cavities and crevices in trees and rocks, and may occur near human settlements where suitable cover exists. Historically present on Martinique and Guadeloupe, it is now absent there.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kalinago wren is a tiny, active wren endemic to the island of Dominica, where it frequents forest edges, gardens, and secondary growth. It formerly occurred on Martinique and Guadeloupe, where it is now thought to be extirpated. Its name honors the Kalinago (Carib) people of Dominica. Like other wrens, it is a cavity nester and often disappears into crevices while foraging.
Temperament
skulking yet curious and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating dashes
Social Behavior
Typically found as territorial pairs that maintain small home ranges year-round. Nests are placed in natural cavities, holes in trees, or crevices; males may construct multiple nests (dummy nests) before the female selects one. Both parents feed the nestlings and defend the territory vigorously against intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, bright, and bubbling series of trills and rattling phrases delivered from low perches within dense cover. Calls include sharp scolds and churrs when alarmed.
