White-bellied Drongo

Overview

The white-bellied drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens) is a species of drongo found across the Indian Subcontinent. It is mainly black in colour with a white belly and vent, though the Sri Lankan subspecies have white restricted to the vent. This species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Plumage: Black upperside without gloss, greyish throat and breast, with a white belly and vent in the Indian form; Sri Lankan forms have white restricted to the vent.
• Distinguishing Features: Larger and less compact than the similar black drongo, which has a deeper tail fork and scaly white markings on young birds.
• Song: A series of staccato notes interspersed with clear notes, occasionally including mimicry of other bird calls.
• Behaviour: Perches upright near tree tops and captures insects with short aerobatic sallies.

Habitat

Found in dry scrub or open forests across peninsular India, south of the Himalayas and west of the Gangetic delta, as well as in Sri Lanka. The species is a resident breeder in these regions.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, capturing prey in the air or using claws for larger insects, but also known to prey on small birds and feed on nectar from large flowers such as Bombax and Erythrina. They may take insects attracted to artificial lights at dusk.

Did you know?

These birds imitate the alarm calls of squirrels or the mewing of cats when mobbing threats. They are also aggressive at the nest and will attack potential threats much larger than themselves.