House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

Its scientific name means 'cave-dweller,' and the second half, aedon, is a queen from Greek myth who was turned into a nightingale — a lot of story for a fierce little nest-squatter. Since 2024 its official name is the Northern House Wren.

Troglodytes is Greek for 'cave-dweller'; aedon refers to Aëdon, transformed into a nightingale in myth. 'Troglodyte' is the same word.