The eastern chat-tanager is a Near Threatened species of passerine bird belonging to the family Calyptophilidae. It is endemic to the island of Hispaniola, in the Dominican Republic; it is possibly extirpated from Haiti.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in eastern and central parts of Hispaniola within the Dominican Republic, in moist broadleaf forests, pine-forest edges, and dense thickets. It keeps to the understory and midstory, favoring ravines, vine tangles, and second-growth with heavy cover. Historical records exist from adjacent Haiti, but it may be extirpated there. It avoids open habitats and heavily disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The eastern chat-tanager is one of only two chat-tanager species, a skulking forest bird endemic to Hispaniola. It favors dense undergrowth and is notoriously difficult to see, more often detected by its varied whistles and chatters. Habitat loss and fragmentation have confined it largely to the Dominican Republic, and it may now be extirpated in Haiti.
Temperament
secretive and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through understory
Social Behavior
Usually encountered as solitary birds or in pairs, sometimes with dependent juveniles. Nests are placed low in dense vegetation; both parents participate in care. Territorial during breeding, it spends much time foraging close to the ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a mix of clear whistles, chatters, and scolding notes delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp tchit and scratchy chatter used for contact in thick cover.
