Dulus dominicus
The Palmchat (Dulus dominicus) is an utterly unique and captivating passerine, the sole member of its entire taxonomic family, Dulidae, highlighting its distinct evolutionary path. This medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 20 cm (7.9 inches) in length and weighing 40-50 grams, is characterized by its stout, yellowish bill, reddish-brown eyes, and striking olive-green upperparts. Its most distinctive field mark is the heavily streaked whitish underparts, which transition to a darker b...
Favors savannas, cultivated areas, open woodlands, and urban parks with abundant palm trees, particularly Royal Palms. Primarily found in lowlands and foothills up to about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), occasionally higher.
Primarily feeds on fruits, especially palm berries, and flowers, supplemented with some insects. Forages by gleaning from trees and shrubs.
Palmchats exhibit a highly social and cooperative lifestyle, spending their days foraging in noisy, active flocks that can number up to 50 individuals. They are diurnal, returning communally to their massive, multi-chambered stick nests for roosting each night. Foraging primarily involves gleanin...
The Palmchat is strictly endemic to the island of Hispaniola, which encompasses the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and is also found on several adjacent small islands such as Gonâve Island and Île-à-Vache. This species is a year-round resident throughout its limited distribution, with no migratory...
Least Concern
- The Palmchat is the national bird of the Dominican Republic. - It is the sole member of its entire taxonomic family, Dulidae, making it a unique evolutionary lineage with no close living relatives. - Palmchats build massive, multi-chambered communal stick nests that can house dozens of breeding...