- Dulus dominicus
Identification
20 cm. Brown above, buff streaked with brown below; sexes are similar.
Distribution
The Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Taxonomy
Traditional taxonomists generally place the Palmchat in its own family because of pecularities that suggest it is not closely related to any of the major passerine groups; it nearest realtives are often considered to be the waxwings. Sibley & Monroe (1990) reduced it to a tribe [Dulinae] in the Bombycillidae; both current world checklists agree with the traditional treatment, placing the Palmchat in its own family, the Dulidae.
The Palmchat is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Palmchat belongs in palm savannas , or other open areas with scattered trees, but also adapts well to areas such as city parks and gardens.
Behaviour
This bird builds large communal nests of sticks, mainly in royal palms (Roystonea sp.), and feeds on flowers, berries and fruit. Also away from nest is most likely to be found in flocks.
External Links
The Palmchat was the bird of the month of the Society for Conservation and study of Caribbean Birds recently *this ; is a relatively complete presentation of the species.
