Crested Drongo

Overview

The crested drongo, Dicrurus forficatus, is a passerine bird characterised by its predominantly black plumage with a bluish-green sheen. It is a common species classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is the only drongo species in the family Dicruridae that possesses a prominent crest on its forehead.

Identification

• Entirely black plumage with a distinct blue-green iridescent sheen.
• Prominent crest formed by elongated feathers on the forehead.
• Forked tail, which is broader in the D. f. potior subspecies.
• D. f. potior is larger in overall size compared to the nominate race.

Habitat

Found in subtropical or tropical dry and moist lowland forests as well as open dry savanna habitats, typically at elevations below 1,000 meters. The nominate subspecies is endemic to Madagascar and its larger inshore islands such as Nosy-Bé, while the D. f. potior subspecies is found on the Comoro Islands.

Did you know?

The common name 'drongo' was originally a Malagasy word from the Betsimisaraka dialect, though the bird is more commonly known as 'railovy' in Malagasy.