Ashy Drongo

Overview

The ashy drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a species of bird in the drongo family, characterised by its wide distribution and various subspecies that differ in plumage shade and migratory habits. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Primarily dark grey plumage with a long, deeply forked tail, though some subspecies feature white eye patches.
• Crimson irises and short legs, with adults sitting very upright on prominent perches.
• Common call described as 'drangh gip' or 'gip-gip-drangh', with the ability to imitate the whistling notes of other birds such as the common iora.

Habitat

This species breeds in the hills of tropical southern Asia, ranging from eastern Afghanistan to southern China and extending into Indonesia. Many northern populations are migratory, and the birds show a particular preference for hill forests during the winter.

Diet

The ashy drongo is insectivorous, foraging by making aerial sallies or sometimes gleaning insects from tree trunks. They are typically observed singly, in pairs, or in small groups, though they fly in small flocks during migration.

Did you know?

These birds are capable vocal mimicry artists, able to imitate the calls of other species, including the whistling notes of a common iora.