Black Drongo

Overview

The black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a small, glossy black passerine bird native to tropical southern Asia. It is a common resident across a vast range, from Iran to China and Indonesia, and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large population and wide distribution.

Identification

• Plumage: Glossy black with a distinctive wide fork to the tail; adults typically have a small white spot at the base of the gape, while juveniles are brownish with white barring or speckling on the belly.
• Size: Approximately 28 cm (11 in) in length with short legs, sitting upright on perches.
• Eyes: Dark brown iris, distinguishing it from similar species with crimson irises.
• Call: Commonly emits a two-note 'tee-hee' call resembling that of the shikra.

Habitat

Found predominantly in open country, savannas, fields, and urban habitats, often perching on bare branches, electricity wires, or grazing animals. The species is resident in most of its range but acts as a summer visitor to northeastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan, and some populations in Korea are migratory.

Diet

Feeds mainly on insects such as grasshoppers, termites, and dragonflies, captured via aerial foraging or gleaned from vegetation and the ground. They congregate in ploughed fields and around fires to catch disturbed insects, and may also consume small birds, reptiles, fish, and nectar, while appearing to avoid flies.

Did you know?

Known informally as 'king crow' for its fearless aggression, it will dive-bomb and even land on larger birds of prey to peck them when they invade its territory. This defensive strategy encourages other bird species to nest within close proximity, benefiting from the drongo's constant watch over predators.