For the first two hundred years of Spanish rule, the natural harbor at Samana on the northeastern peninsular of the Dominican Republic was unused. This paved the way for pirates to take advantage of the narrow Samana Channel. The limestone caves and dense swamps offered defensive positions and refuge.
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Dulus dominicus - The palmchat is a common bird found throughout Hispaniola. Though closely related to waxwings, it is the only bird within the genus dulus. Palmchats are extremely sociable birds and are willing to roost together in tight formations, forage together in flocks, and contribute in building large communal nests able to house several breeding pairs, each with its own private entrance. Palmchats rely heavily on palm trees for roosting, feeding, and nest building; they prefer the royal palm, but will easily adapt to others.
