brown and heavily streaked underneath (Dominican Republic; 2006-12-13)


Palmchat
Dulus dominicus

Native Range: Caribbean Islands

Notes: this sole member of the monotypic family Dulidae is the national bird of the Dominican Republic; it is a highly social bird that lives in small groups of about 4-10 individuals; builds large communal stick nests each of which may be occupied by as many as 50 pairs (each pair has its own entrance and nest chamber, although occasionally more than one female lays eggs in the same chamber); both parents tend the eggs, and the young remain with their parents for some time after fledging; noisy and vocal with a variety of harsh or sometimes melodious whistles and chatters; found in gardens, woodland edges, and other open habitats.

ventral view; red iris; dense streaking (Dominican Republic; 2006-12-13)
dorsal view; entirely plain-brown above (Dominican Republic; 2006-12-13)

bill is strong and slightly decurved (Dominican Republic; 2006-12-13)
pair perched on a palm tip; note red iris (Dominican Republic; 2006-12-13)

large communal stick nest in a palm tree (Dominican Republic; 2006-12-13)
posing for a portrait (Dominican Republic; 2006-12-13)