Phaenicophilus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1766)

Size and Weight

The black-crowned palm-tanager (Phaenicophilus palmarum) measures 17 to 18 cm (6.7 to 7.1 in) in length and weighs approximately 24 to 32 g (0.85 to 1.1 oz). The species shows little sexual dimorphism.

Bill Structure

It has a long, strong, sharply pointed bill; the maxilla is black, while the mandible is blue-gray with a black tip.

Adult Head Markings

Adult individuals have a mostly black head, with a white patch above the bill, a larger white patch above and behind the red-brown eye, and a thin white arc below the eye.

Upperparts Coloration

The nape is gray, and all other upperparts, including the tail, are bright yellowish olive.

Underparts Coloration

The throat and center of the breast are white; the sides of the breast, flanks, belly, and undertail coverts are gray.

Immature Plumage

Immature birds have a dusky gray head instead of black, and a buff tinge on the throat.

Geographical Range

This species is distributed across mainland Dominican Republic (including Saona Island) and in Haiti, with the exception of the Tiburon Peninsula.

Habitat Types

It lives across almost every landscape on Hispaniola, occupying many forest types ranging from dry to humid and open to dense. It can also be found in rural and urban gardens and parks.

Elevational Range

Its elevational range extends from sea level to approximately 2,500 m (8,200 ft), but it is most common at elevations well below 2,000 m (6,600 ft).