BIRDGACHA / FIELD NOTES
Palmchat
The Palmchat is a sturdy songbird with olive-brown upperparts, heavily streaked pale underparts and a short, deep, yellowish bill. Its relatively small head, strong feet and social behaviour distinguish it from the more softly plumaged waxwings to which it is related. The species in this catalogue is Palmchat (Dulus dominicus). It feeds on fruit and other plant material, often gathering socially and maintaining conspicuous communal stick nests. Look for the combination of breast streaking, a pale heavy bill and several birds using the same tree.
How to recognize Palmchat
- Compare olive-brown upperparts with strongly streaked pale underparts.
- Check the short, deep yellowish bill and strong perching feet.
- Watch social groups near palms and large communal stick nests.
Where they live
The family occurs in Hispaniola and nearby islands in the Caribbean. Open and semi-open landscapes with palms are especially characteristic, including settled areas and other wooded countryside. The species also uses some forest habitats, but its association with palms makes isolated tall trees useful places to start an observation. A large communal nest is a useful clue, though birds and nest structure should be watched without disturbing active occupants.
Species account: Palmchat
Sources — natural history: Wikipedia: Palmchat · Cornell Birds of the World: Palmchat (Dulus dominicus), species natural history · University of California, Irvine: Palmchat field observations and breeding.
Classification: IOC World Bird List: family names and classification.
Some Cornell Birds of the World account sections require a subscription.
Updated 2026-11-06. Species counts follow this site's catalogue. This is an editorial summary, not an expert peer review.
Species records retain their original English, Chinese and scientific names.
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