The Hispaniolan palm crow is a relatively small corvid endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola where it was formerly common but is now reduced in population.
Region
Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), it occupies pine forests, mixed pine-broadleaf woodlands, palm savannas, and semi-open agricultural mosaics. It frequents areas with scattered palms and edges of forest clearings, as well as high-elevation pine stands. Birds forage from the ground to the canopy, especially among palm crowns and pine limbs. Remaining strongholds are mostly in montane regions, with small, fragmented populations elsewhere.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Hispaniolan palm crow is a small, island-endemic corvid now largely confined to remnant pine forests and mixed habitats on Hispaniola. It often travels in small, noisy groups and gives a dry, nasal series of croaks quite unlike larger crows. Historically more widespread in lowlands with palms, it has declined due to habitat loss and persecution. It, along with the Cuban palm crow, is one of the Caribbean’s only true Corvus crows.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with shallow glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in small groups or family parties, foraging and moving together with constant calling. Pairs build stick nests high in palms or tall pines and defend a small territory around the nest. Breeding pairs are strongly bonded and may be accompanied by older offspring acting as helpers in some cases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are dry, nasal croaks and rattly notes, often delivered in quick sequences. The voice is lower and harsher than many passerines but lighter than larger crows, carrying well across open pine forest.
Plumage
Uniform black with a slight dull gloss; throat feathers can appear a bit shaggy.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, it takes beetles, larvae, and other insects gleaned from palm fronds and pine bark. It also eats fruits and seeds, including those of palms and various shrubs, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs. It may visit agricultural areas for grains or scraps and will sometimes scavenge.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the canopy and mid-story of pines and palms, along forest edges, and in semi-open country with scattered trees. It also forages on the ground in clearings, burns, and along tracks where insects and seeds are accessible.
