Fork-tailed Drongo

Overview

The fork-tailed drongo, also known as the common or African drongo, is a small passerine bird native to Africa south of the Sahara. It is a widespread and common resident breeder that tolerates a variety of environments, from open woodlands to savannas.

Identification

• Uniformly black plumage with a glossy blue-green iridescence on the upper body.
• Deeply forked tail and a robust, straight black bill.
• Striking red-brown eyes.
• Loud and diverse vocalisations, including sharp calls, whistles, and the ability to mimic other species such as owls, birds of prey, and even the meowing of cats.

Habitat

Found in open woodland, savanna, and forest edges across a vast range from the Sahel to South Africa. This species is tolerant of arid climates and can be found at altitudes reaching up to 2,200 meters.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, feeding on butterflies, termites, and grasshoppers, while occasionally consuming fish, nectar, and small birds. It often forages by perching on high branches to flycatch insects or follows large mammals like elephants to flush out prey.

Did you know?

These birds are opportunistic kleptoparasites that may issue false alarm calls to scare other animals away from their food. Researchers have hypothesised that this deceptive behaviour indicates a level of cognitive complexity, possibly suggesting a theory of mind in the species.