Palmchat
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| Dulus dominicus (Linnaeus, 1766) |
The Palmchat, Dulus dominicus, is a small (20 cm / 8 in long) passerine bird which is the sole member of the family Dulidae. It is thought to be related to the waxwings, and is sometimes classified with that group.
It is endemic to the island of Hispaniola (The Dominican Republic and Haiti ) and its adjacent keys and islets, where it is common and widespread.
This bird builds large communal stick nests, mainly in royal palms (Roystonea sp.), and feeds on flowers, berries and other fruit. It inhabits lowlands to mid-elevations where palm savannas can be found, or other open areas with scattered trees, but also adapts well to areas such as city parks and gardens.
This bird resembles an oriole in structure, but is brownish above, and buff, heavily streaked with brown, below. It does not have the soft silky plumage of the waxwings or silky-flycatchers.
It is the national bird of the Dominican Republic.
- Family: Dulidae
- Palmchat Dulus dominicus
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Dulus dominicus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
