Cinclocerthia gutturalis
The Grey Trembler (Cinclocerthia gutturalis) is a charismatic passerine endemic to the Lesser Antilles, renowned for its peculiar habit of trembling as it forages. This medium-sized mimid, typically measuring 23-26 cm (9-10 inches) in length and weighing around 55-70 grams (1.9-2.5 oz), exhibits a uniformly dull grey plumage across its back, head, and wings, contrasting with a paler, sometimes buffy-grey, belly. Its most distinctive field marks include a relatively long, stout, slightly downc...
Primarily found in dense, moist montane and lowland forests, including secondary growth and shaded plantations, from near sea level up to around 1300-1400 meters elevation.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming a variety of insects, arthropods (e.g., spiders, beetles, caterpillars), and small lizards, supplemented significantly by fruits, berries, and occasionally nectar.
The Grey Trembler is a diurnal and rather furtive bird, often heard before it is seen, typically active in the sub-canopy and mid-story of forests. Its distinctive foraging strategy involves intense "trembling" or shivering, where the bird rapidly vibrates its body and sometimes wings while perch...
The Grey Trembler is an island endemic, with its entire distribution confined to three islands within the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean. Its primary range includes Dominica and Martinique, where the nominate subspecies Cinclocerthia gutturalis gutturalis is found. The island of St. Lucia hosts...
Least Concern
- The Grey Trembler's "trembling" behavior, its most iconic trait, is thought to be a specialized foraging technique to flush out hidden invertebrates from bark and foliage. - It is an endemic species, found only on the Caribbean islands of Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia. - Belonging to the ...