The palmchat is a small, long-tailed passerine bird, the only species in the genus Dulus and the family Dulidae endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It is related to the waxwings, family Bombycillidae. Its name reflects its strong association with palms for feeding, roosting, and nesting.
Region
Caribbean
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti), occurring from coastal lowlands to foothills and towns. It thrives in palm groves, open woodland, gardens, parks, and agricultural areas, often near human habitation. The species prefers areas with abundant fruiting palms and other fruiting trees and is less common in dense, closed-canopy forest. It is widespread and often conspicuous where suitable palms are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The palmchat is the sole species in both its genus (Dulus) and family (Dulidae), making it a unique Caribbean lineage. It constructs large communal stick nests in palms with multiple chambers used by several pairs. It is the national bird of the Dominican Republic and is closely associated with palm-dominated habitats.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Palmchats are highly social and breed in loose colonies, often sharing enormous communal nests built of sticks in palm crowns. Multiple pairs occupy separate chambers within the same structure and add to the nest over successive seasons. Pairs are monogamous within colonies and often roost communally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively mix of chatters, twitters, and sharp chipping notes delivered in rapid sequences. Vocalizations are frequent during social interactions around nest colonies and feeding sites.
Plumage
Olive-brown above with buffy to whitish underparts heavily streaked brown; long, slightly graduated tail. Feathers appear somewhat loose-textured, giving a shaggy look around the head and chest.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits, especially palm drupes and other small berries; also takes flower buds and nectar when available. Supplements its diet with small insects and other arthropods gleaned from foliage. Forages methodically among palm fronds and fruiting trees, often in small, noisy groups.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the crowns of palms, fruiting shrubs and trees, hedgerows, and gardens. Frequently visits cultivated areas and urban parks where ornamental palms and fruiting plants are abundant.
