Tag Archives: bird

Creatures Of Dominican Republic 3 – Winged

Creatures of The Dominican Republic – Winged

Some of the birds and creatures with winds found in The Dominican Republic.

The Hispaniolan Woodpecker/ Pájaro Carpintero de la Hispaniola | The Village Weaver / Madame Sagá | Black Witch Moth | Vine Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha vitis)

The Hispaniolan Woodpecker/ Pájaro Carpintero de la Hispaniola (Melanerpes striatus)

The Hispaniolan Woodpecker - Pájaro Carpintero de la Hispaniola in Zona Colonial
The Hispaniolan Woodpecker – Pájaro Carpintero de la Hispaniola in Zona Colonial

The Hispaniola Woodpecker is a medium-sized woodpecker is only found on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola in the countries of Dominican Republic and Haiti. They can be found throughout the entire island.

This noisy woodpecker travels in groups and is very social, unlike most woodpeckers. They also watch out for other colonies members nesting young.

The Hispaniolan Woodpecker in the Colonial Zone
The Hispaniolan Woodpecker in the Colonial Zone

They are easily spotted because of their pointy beaks, their yellow and black striped body feathers, their greenish grey rump and the distinctive red head. Of course, these birds have the noticeable red on their heads. The males red striped goes from the forehead to their heck and the female species red markings are much smaller and can only be seen extending from the nape to its neck.

A Hispaniolan Woodpecker/ Pájaro Carpintero de la Hispaniola on the wall of the Alcazar Colón
A Hispaniolan Woodpecker/ Pájaro Carpintero de la Hispaniola on the wall of the Alcazar Colón

Here in the Dominican Republic, many parts of the country do not like these boisterous birds. One of their favorite nesting places is in cacao (cocoa) trees damaging the tree and they also like to poke through the seed pod making it easy access for insects and other organisms that can damage the crop. According to (http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09670878509370969#preview) pod damage was assessed at 3.7% in 1981 and 3.5% in 1982, close to the 4% estimate by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Dominican Republic. The Ministry established a bounty program on the Hispaniola Woodpecker in 1976, our study suggested this bounty should be discontinued. The program was found to be not cost effective, and did not reduce damage, and had an adverse effect on other avifauna.

http://planetbirds.blogspot.com/2011/06/hispaniolan-woodpecker.html

Madame Sagá also known as The Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus)

The yellow and blackish brown Village Weaver sitting atop the round nest he built in the trees of Parque Colon in the Colonial Zone.
The yellow and blackish brown Village Weaver sitting atop the round nest he built in the trees of Parque Colon in the Colonial Zone.

Madame Sagá was first record in Dominican Republic in 1796 originally arriving as a cage bird on the slave ships from Africa. In Africa there are many species in this family. They are common all over the country now and only recently have been spotted in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.

The male is usually bright orange to yellow with a black hood, brown nape and red iris. The female is yellow-green. To me, a person not very knowledgeable about birds, they looked bright yellow with black heads and beaks with red eyes. They are eye-catching easy to spot.

Madame Sagá entering the round nest through the small opening in the trees of Parque Colón in the Colonial Zone.
Madame Sagá entering the round nest through the small opening in the trees of Parque Colón in the Colonial Zone.

The males build the round nests with a small opening. They are nicely woven usually using with palm leaves. Then he waits hoping the female will choose him because he is the best mate and nest builder. They nest in colonies laying between 2 to 4 pale green to blue eggs between April and September. You can usually hear them before you see these bright birds are their colonies can be very loud especially in the mornings.

The nest of the Madame Sagá / Village Weaver close-up
The nest of the Madame Sagá / Village Weaver close-up

Madame Sagá feeds on rice and grains making it very unpopular with the rice and millet farmers. This pretty and noisy bird may be small but it loves to eat and eat. They are considered pests by the Dominican farmers.

The Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata)

The Black Witch Moth bringer of good fortune or death picture taken in Dominican Republic
The Black Witch Moth bringer of good fortune or death picture taken in Dominican Republic

The Black Witch Moth is called so because is considered to be a warning of death in Mexican and some places in the Caribbean. Other places in the Caribbean this giant moth is considered to bring good luck by blessing people with money. In Spanish it is known as “Mariposa de la muerte”. It is also called the Bat Moth because it is close in size to a small bat.

The Black Witch Moth close up in a dorway in Zona Colonial, Dominican Republic
The Black Witch Moth close up in a dorway in Zona Colonial, Dominican Republic

This huge moth starts out as a large caterpillar that can be up to 3 inches in length. It has beautiful intricate patterns of black and greenish brown spots and stripes. These caterpillars grow into the large moths with the males wing span reaching up to 7 inches and many are even bigger. Their markings are very beautiful and at night, when they usually fly, they are many times mistaken for a bat because of their size. They will not hurt you and are lovely to watch.

A beautifully colored Ascalapha odorata / Black Witch Moth in Dominican Republic close-up
A beautifully colored Ascalapha odorata / Black Witch Moth in Dominican Republic close-up

Black Witch Moth caterpillars eat legumes and especially like acacia and mesquite. They are harmless and not considered to be a pest. They do not have stingers or teeth.

Black Witch Moth in Dominican Republic has a very large wind span
Black Witch Moth in Dominican Republic has a very large wind span

They originally were found in Mexico and Central America but now can be found in North America as well.

Vine Sphinx Moth (Eumorpha vitis)

The beautiful Vine Sphinx Moth is a nectar feeder. They enjoy dining on the nectar of orchids, jimsonweed, and periwinkle. The caterpillar prefers vines, in which to hide. Grapevines are their favorites.

Vine Sphinx Moth in Santo Domingo Este near Puerto San Souci, Dominican Republic.
Vine Sphinx Moth in Santo Domingo Este near Puerto San Souci, Dominican Republic.

The colors are black to brown with a touch of pink on the back winds where they connect to the body.

They do not bite and are not dangerous in any way. Some farmers consider the bright green caterpillar to be a nuisance because they like to dine on grapevine leaves.

I took this picture of the Vine Sphinx Moth in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic, near Puerto San Souci.

Continue learning about The Creatures of Dominican Republic – Page 4 Pictures


Creatures Of The Dominican Republic

The Creatures of Dominican Republic

On the island of Hispaniola in the country of Dominican Republic we do have some wildlife to speak of. I’m not referring to the human-type of wild life, although this is here in abundance. The creatures, big and small are what I’m speaking of. The endangered, extinct and the creatures that are unique and thrive on this tropical island.

Here we have no large predatory animals to speak of. Nothing that is going to eat you alive, except for the mosquitoes (which I think should be considered as being the new national bird), and the no-seeums, that I have no idea what they look like but they leave their itchy red mark on the flesh. There are no really dangerous creatures on our island, other than maybe a rare crocodile, cayman, a scorpion, or a spider. Most tourists and people living in the cities never come across these things. Even the Dominican tarantula known as the Cacata is not an easy crawly to see. They usually don’t live in the cities and they usually only come out at night. Most of the cacatas/ tarantulas I have seen were thin anorexic spindly looking arachnids. I know people that have seen giant car-covering spiders carrying a cat away in its dripping fangs, lol. Really there are some very large spiders here but not quite that big.

Page 1 – Nocturnal, 2 – More, 3 – Winged, 4 – Pictures

Hispaniolan Hutia/ Capromyidae

Agouta or Juron/ Hispaniolan Solenodon

Cacata/ Tarantula

Manatee

Jaragua Sphaero

Heteropoda Venatoria/ Huntsman Spider

Noseeums (biting insects)

Hispaniola Boa/ Boa de la Hispaniola

The Hispaniolan Woodpecker/ Pájaro Carpintero de la Hispaniola

The Village Weaver / Madame Sagá

Black Witch Moth

Vine Sphinx Moth

Under The Dominican Sea

Miscelaneous Pictures

A turkey and some Guinnea Hens.
A turkey and some Guinnea Hens.

Dominican Republic has no creatures that will kill you

Here we have no large animals to speak of. Nothing that is going to eat you alive, except for the mosquitoes (which I think should be considered as being the new national bird), and the no-seeums, that I have no idea what they look like but they leave their itchy red mark on the flesh. There are no really dangerous creatures on our island, other than maybe a rare crock, cayman, a scorpion, or a spider. Most tourists and people living in the cities never come across these things. Even the Dominican tarantula, known as the Cacata, is not an easy crawly to see. They usually don’t live in the cities and they usually only come out at night. Most of the cacatas/ tarantulas I have seen were thin anorexic spindly looking arachnids. I know people that have seen giant car-covering spiders carrying a cat away in its dripping fangs, lol. Really there are some very large spiders here but not quite that big.

Parrots are nesting in the holes of a wall.
Parrots are nesting in the holes of Ruinas El Hospital San Nicolas de Bari.

The Birds

The island seems to be inhabited mostly by birds, of all types and colors and lizards, of many sizes and shapes. There are the basic domestic animals not native to the island. There are many cows, goats, chickens and horses. You may even encounter a rabbit that escaped from captivity and made its home in the countryside. There used to be wild boars but they are almost gone and have only been spotted in the mountains where there is little human population.

National Symbols of Dominican Republic

National and Patriotic Symbols of Dominican Republic

Descriptions of the national symbols and patriotic items that represent the country and the people of the Dominican Republic.

The Flag of The Dominican Republic | The Dominican Flag Coat of Arms (Shield) | The Constitution of the Dominican Republic pertaining to the Flag and Shield states: | The Shield of Santo Domingo | National Stone | National Music | National Flower | National Tree | National Bird

The Flag of The Dominican Republic / La Bandera de la República Dominicana
The Flag of The Dominican Republic / La Bandera de la República Dominicana

The Flag of The Dominican Republic / La Bandera de la República Dominicana

“The flag is the most sublime symbol of freedom and national sovereignty”

The Dominican Republic flag was officially adopted on November 6, 1844.

The blue and red are from the flag of Haiti, which once controlled the Dominican Republic. The white cross is a symbol of faith.

The flag was made by four women. María Trinidad Sánchez, María de Jesús Pina, Isabel Sosa and Concepción Bona.

The colors of the flag have very special meanings. Rojo bermellón / vermilion red represents the blood shed by the liberators and heroes of the fatherland. Azul Ultramar / ultramarine blue represents ideals of progress and liberty and that God protects the Dominican nation. The white cross is the symbol of the struggle for a free homeland, peace, the sacrifice and unity among all the Dominican people.

Modern descriptions of the colors state that the blue represents the sky. Red is the fire and bloodshed by the patriots and people in the struggle for freedom. White represents dignity, the peaceful character of the Dominicans and their dedication to peace.

The Escudo or Coat of Arms is centrally located in the white cross. The Dominican Republic flag is the only flag in the world with a symbol of a bible on it.

The merchant ensign flag is the same as the National Flag without the coat of arms and this flag is considered to be the civil flag.

Raising the flag at the Comandancia de Puerto de Santo Domingo
Raising the flag at the Comandancia de Puerto de Santo Domingo

What is the pledge to the flag? Do you know the Dominican Republic National Anthem Quisqueyanos Valientes?

Did you know?
The Flag of The Dominican Republic was aboard the U.S. space shuttle in 2006. U.S. Rep. Jose E. Serrano asked for this to happen to thank the over 100,000 Dominican constituents living in the Bronx district of New York, USA. The official announcement was made Monday 22, 2006.

After the flag gets its ride on the shuttle, where no Dominican has ever been, the flag will be on display at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College located in the South Bronx, New York City. This college, named for Puerto Rican independence advocate Eugenio Maria de Hostos (he buried in the Panteón Nacional of Dominican Republic), had a special ceremony for this permanent exhibition. This is a big honor for the Dominican people as a whole. It shows that the USA recognizes the contributions that the people of the Dominican Republic have given to the United States.

The Dominican Flag Coat of Arms (Shield) / El Escudo Dominicano

Escudo Nacional Republica Dominicana Dominican Republic Coat of Arms 2010. The new Coat of Arms adopted by constitutional law in 2010 with the bottom red ribbon flowing upward
Escudo Nacional Republica Dominicana
/ Dominican Republic Coat of Arms 2010. The new Coat of Arms adopted by constitutional law in 2010 with the bottom red ribbon flowing upward
The old version of the Dominican Republic Coat of Arms / Escudo Nacional Republica Dominicana with the red ribbon flowing downward.
The old version of the Dominican Republic Coat of Arms / Escudo Nacional Republica Dominicana with the red ribbon flowing downward.

*There have been at least 14 different shields that have been used on the Dominican Republic flag in the past. Casimiro N. De Moya designed the current shield. It was issued by the government of Monseñor Nouel and was adopted as the official shield in 1913.

*In 2010 the constitution was amended to make a rule on the form of the coat of arms as before no definite law existed. Article 32 (written below in Spanish with my English translation) states the bottom red ribbon faces upward. Thus many of the flags center shields are incorrect because their vermilion ribbon faces downward. You will notice that Parque Independencia coat of arms, as with many of the escudos in the country, is an old version of the coat of arms. Thanks Alexis for the updated information.

*The escudo has the same colors as the flag.

*The Bible is the center of the escudo and is open to the Gospel of St. John, Chapter Eight, Verse Thirty-Two (John 8:32) with a golden cross floating above.

*There are two empty spears and four others with the national flags. These four flags do not have the shield on them. These spears, or flagpoles, are located on either side of the central bible. (*I am trying to research as to exactly why there are six spears or poles and what they represent. When I find out if there is a reason I’ll add it)

*There is a laurel branch on the left side of the shield that represents immortality.

*The palm branch on the right represents Liberty.

*This is topped by a blue ribbon that symbolizes glory with the Trinitarian motto: DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD / “God, Fatherland and Liberty (Freedom)”.

*The bottom ribbon is vermilion red with the words: Republica Dominicana (note that they did not use the “ú” in the word “República”)

Comparisons of the Escudos Nacional Republica Dominicana 1844 and 2010
Comparisons of the Escudos Nacional Republica Dominicana 1844 and 2010

Complete information about the flag in Spanish.

Here’s a link to see the banners of the Political Parties in the Dominican Republic

The Constitution of the Dominican Republic pertaining to the Flag and Shield states:

CONSTITUCION POLITICA DE LA REPBULICA DOMINICANA DE 2002
TITULO XII
DISPOSICIONES GENERALES Artículos de la Constitución (updated 5/2012)

Artículos 32 (el artículo 32 modificado 2010) – El Escudo Nacional tiene los mismos colores de la Bandera Nacional dispuestos en igual forma. Lleva en el centro la Biblia abierta en el Evangelio de San Juan, capítulo 8, versículo 32, y encima una cruz, los cuales surgen de un trofeo integrado por dos lanzas y cuatro banderas nacionales sin escudo, dispuestas a ambos lados; lleva un ramo de laurel del lado izquierdo y uno de palma al lado derecho. Está coronado por una cinta azul ultramar en la cual se lee el lema “Dios, Patria y Libertad”. En la base hay otra cinta de color rojo bermellón cuyos extremos se orientan hacia arriba con las palabras “República Dominicana”. La forma del Escudo Nacional es de un cuadrilongo, con los ángulos superiores salientes y los inferiores redondeados, el centro de cuya base termina en punta, y está dispuesto en forma tal que resulte un cuadrado perfecto al trazar una línea horizontal que una las dos verticales del cuadrilongo desde donde comienzan los ángulos inferiores.

Rough translation (article 32 amended in 2010:The National Shield has the same colors as the National Flag arranged in the same way. The center Bible is opened to the Gospel of St. John, Chapter Eight, Verse Thirty-Two, with a cross above it that arises from a trophy composed of two lances and four national flags without a shield, arranged on both sides; a laurel branch takes the left side and a palm takes the right. It is topped by an ultramarine blue ribbon that reads the motto “God, Fatherland and Liberty”. On the base there is another red vermilion ribbon whose ends are directed upwards, reading the words “República Dominicana”. The shape of the national emblem is rectangular, with rounded corners protruding on the upper and lower points, the center of whose base is tapered, and is arranged so that is a perfect square by drawing a horizontal line joining the two vertical the rectangular from the bottom corners.)

ART. 95.- La bandera nacional se compone de los colores azul ultramar y rojo bermellón, en cuarteles alternados, colocados de tal modo que el azul quede hacia la parte superior del asta, separados por una cruz blanca del ancho de la mitad de la altura de un cuartel y que lleve en el centro el escudo de armas de la República. La bandera mercante es la misma que la nacional sin escudo.

Rough translation (article 95: The national flag is made up of the colors ultramarine blue and red vermilion, in alternation, separated into quarters in such a way that the blue one is towards the superior part of the spear, separated by a white cross the width being half the height of the quarter and that it has in the center the shield of arms of the Republic. The merchant flag is the same one that the national without the shield.)

ART. 96.- El escudo de armas de la República tendrá los mismos colores de la bandera nacional dispuestos en igual forma. Llevará en el centro el libro de los Evangelios, abierto, con una cruz encima surgiendo ambos entre un trofeo integrado por dos lanzas y cuatro banderas nacionales, sin escudo, dispuestas a ambos lados; llevará un ramo de laurel del lado izquierdo y uno de palma al lado derecho; estará coronado por una cinta azul ultramar en la cual se leerá el lema: Dios, Patria y Libertad, y en la base habrá otra cinta de color rojo bermellón con las palabras: República Dominicana. La forma del escudo nacional será de un cuadrilongo, con los ángulos superiores salientes y los inferiores redondeados, el centro de cuya base terminará en punta, y estará dispuesto en forma tal que si se traza una línea horizontal que una las dos verticales del cuadrilongo desde donde comienzan los ángulos inferiores, resulte un cuadrado perfecto.

Rough translation (article 96: The shield of arms of the Republic will have the same colors of the national flag in equal form. It will have in the center the book of Gospels, opened, with a cross lifted arising both between a trophy integrated by two lances and four national flags, without shield, arranged on both sides; it will alongside have a branch of laurel on the left side and one of palm on the right side; the top will be crowned by a blue tape in which the motto will be: God, Mother country and Freedom, and in the base another tape of the color red vermilion with the: Dominican Republic. The form of the national shield will be a perfect square, with the salient superior angles and the inferior ones cleared, the center of whose base it will finish at the end, and will be arranged in form so that if a horizontal line is drawn up the two verticals of cuadrilongo from where the inferior angles begin, is a perfect square. )

The Dominican Republic constitution in Spanish.

The Shield of Santo Domingo / Escudo de la Ciudad de Santo Domingo

The Coat of Arms of the City of Santo Domingo / Escudo de Armas de la Ciudad de Santo Domingo.

The coat of arms of the city Santo Domingo / Escudo de armas de la ciudad Santo Domingo
The coat of arms of the city Santo Domingo / Escudo de armas de la ciudad Santo Domingo

The Shield of the City of Santo Domingo is an important symbol of pride for the city.

The red background refers to the victory with which the town of Santo Domingo was born. / El fondo rojo referencia a la victoria con la que nació la villa de Santo Domingo.

The crown means dignity and its gold represents nobility, wealth and wisdom. For Santo Domingo also refers to his origin of royalty. / La corona significa dignidad y su oro representa nobleza, riqueza y sabiduría. Para santo domingo también se refiere a su origen de realeza.

Its two yellow lions symbolize energy, sovereignty and dominion. / Sus dos leones amarillos simbolizan energía, soberanía y dominio.

The key means rest and safety, and its blue is the color of the sky. / La llave significa reposo y seguridad, y su color azul se debe al cielo.

The black and white cross is attributed to the name of the city; Santo Domingo de Gazumán / La cruz blanca y negra se le atribute al nombre de la ciudad; Santo Domingo de Gazumán.

Plaza Bartolome de las Casas escudo de la ciudad de Santo Domingo / coat of arms of the city Santo Domingo
Plaza Bartolome de las Casas escudo de la ciudad de Santo Domingo / coat of arms of the city Santo Domingo

This Coat of arms of the city Santo Domingo is located on the interior wall of the Plaza Bartolomé de las Casas in the Colonial Zone.

National Stone / Piedra Nacional

Amber

The National Stone of The Dominican Republic. A sample is of Dominican amber, Miocene epoch that is 23.8 to 5.3 million years old.
The National Stone of The Dominican Republic. A sample is of Dominican amber, Miocene epoch that is 23.8 to 5.3 million years old.

You can find more information about Dominican Republic amber.

National Music / Música Nacional

Merengue

In 2014 Merengue was declared to be the music of the country. More information about Merengue and some of the musicians who play this newly declared national music.

National Flower / La Flor Nacional

The Rose of Bayahibe / la Rosa de Bayahibe

Dominican Republic National Flower - The Rose of Bayahibe / La Flor Nacional - La Rosa de Bayahibe
Dominican Republic National Flower – The Rose of Bayahibe / La Flor Nacional – La Rosa de Bayahibe

The flower of the Caoba was the national flower as declared on July 16, 1957 by decree number 2944. There was always confusion about the national tree and flower and now it is clear. On July 12, 2011 la Rosa de Bayahibe was declared to be the National Flower.

Picture of la Rosa de Bayahibe from diariolibre.com

National Tree / Árbol Nacional

The Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) / La Caoba

National Tree of Dominican Republic - Caoba Tree
National Tree of Dominican Republic – Caoba Tree

There was always confusion about the national tree and flower and now it is clear. As of July 2011 Dominican Republic finally has their national tree. On July 12, 2011 President Leonel Fernandez passed the Law 146-11, which designates the Mahogany tree to be the new official tree of Dominican Republic.

National Tree of Dominican Republic - Caoba Tree Flower
National Tree of Dominican Republic – Caoba Tree Flower

National Bird / Ave Nacional

Palmchat / Cigua Palmera (Dulus dominicus)

National Bird of the Dominican Republic - Palm Chat / Ave Nacional - Cigua Palmera
National Bird of the Dominican Republic –
Palm Chat / Ave Nacional – Cigua Palmera

This cute little songbird is found on the island of Hispaniola. It adapts easily to all areas of the country and can be found in abundance.

The Dominican Republic National Bird The Palmchat / Cigua Palmera are sitting at the top of a tree in Santo Domingo.
The Dominican Republic National Bird The Palmchat / Cigua Palmera are sitting at the top of a tree in Santo Domingo.

The Palmchat prefers to be where there are many palm trees (this is where they got their name). They are communal birds. The nests are large, messy and usually found in large groups or communities. The nests can usually be found in the tops of Royal Palms or atop any other high spot when the palm tree is not available.

A Palm Chat / Cigua Palmera nest high in the tree top.
A Palm Chat / Cigua Palmera nest high in the tree top.

They lay spotted greyish purple eggs, usually 2 to 4, from March to June.

The song of the Palm Chat is quite loud with constant singing and squawking as they communicate with other birds.

Palmchats are about 8 inches in length. They have an olive-brown creamy color on top and streaked with brown on the bottom. Their backside and the edges of their feathers are a dark yellow-green. They have large yellow bills and rust colored eyes.