The Hispaniolan spindalis is one of four species of bird in family Spindalidae. It is endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola which is shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Region
Greater Antilles
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Hispaniola, occurring in both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It occupies a wide range of wooded habitats including moist and dry broadleaf forests, pine forests, forest edges, second growth, plantations, and fruiting trees in rural gardens. The species uses the mid to upper canopy but will descend to lower levels when feeding. It is adaptable to disturbed areas as long as fruit resources remain available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Hispaniolan spindalis is one of four spindalis species, all island specialists of the Greater Antilles. Males show striking black-and-white head stripes with warm yellow-orange underparts, while females are duller and more olive-gray. It readily visits fruiting trees in forests, plantations, and gardens. As a year-round resident, it plays an important role in local seed dispersal on Hispaniola.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, undulating hops between trees
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, and may join mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed in shrubs or trees; both parents participate in feeding nestlings. Breeding pairs defend small territories around nest sites.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of sibilant whistles and short warbles delivered from canopy perches. Calls include sharp chips and buzzy notes used in contact within pairs or small groups.
Plumage
Male with bold black-and-white striped head, olive-green upperparts, two pale wingbars, and yellow to orange throat and breast fading to whitish or grayish belly. Female is duller olive-gray with faint head striping, paler underparts with a light yellow wash, and less contrasting wingbars.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits and berries, frequently taking native and cultivated species. It supplements its diet with small insects and other arthropods, especially during breeding. Occasional nectar feeding and flower probing have been noted, and it may ingest seeds incidentally while consuming soft pulp. By moving among fruiting trees, it helps disperse seeds across forest edges and secondary growth.
Preferred Environment
Feeds most often in the mid to upper canopy of fruiting trees in forests, edges, plantations, and gardens. It readily exploits fruiting shrubs along roadsides and in coffee or cacao farms where native trees remain.
