About the Palmchat
The palmchat is a medium-sized passerine bird endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It is the only species in the genus Dulus and the family Dulidae, and is related to the waxwing family Bombycillidae and the silky-flycatchers in Ptiliogonatidae. Its name reflects its strong association with palms for feeding, roosting, and nesting.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Palmchats are medium-sized passerines, about 18–20 cm (7–8 in) in length and weighing 41–52 g (1.4–1.8 oz). Their appearance has been described as "moderately odd" by the Handbook of the Birds of the World, having relatively small heads, short yet deeply-curved yellow-horn bills and long necks. The wings are long and rounded, and the feet are large and strongly-clawed. The plumage is olive-brown above, and heavily streaked with brown below. Their rumps, as well as the uppertail-coverts, are dark greenish-olive, and the tail is brown. The primary feathers are yellow-green. Voice: The palmchat is a voluble and noisy species, with a large repertoire of gurgling and cheeping sounds constantly used in their social behaviour, but do not have a coherent song. These calls include cheeps, whistles and cawing and may be made singly or together in a sustained chattering that has been compared to a simplified version of the call of the common starling.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a resident species across most of its range
Learn the Palmchat for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.