Dicrurus forficatus
The Crested Drongo, *Dicrurus forficatus*, is a striking medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 24-27 cm in length, including its distinctive deeply forked tail, and weighing around 40-60 grams. Its plumage is entirely glossy black, often showing iridescent blue or green sheens in good light, complemented by bright red eyes in adults. A prominent, often shaggy crest of erectile feathers above the bill gives the species its common name and serves as a key identification feature, thoug...
This adaptable species primarily inhabits a variety of forested environments, including evergreen, deciduous, and gallery forests, as well as woodlands, plantations, and even gardens, from sea level up to mid-elevation plateaus.
The diet of the Crested Drongo primarily consists of large insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and termites, caught predominantly through aerial hawking or gleaning. They also opportunistically consume small lizards, nectar, and fruit.
The Crested Drongo is a diurnal and highly active bird, often seen perching conspicuously on exposed branches, wires, or dead snags, from which it surveys its territory. It employs a diverse array of foraging strategies, primarily involving aerial hawking for insects, but also gleaning prey from ...
The Crested Drongo is endemic to the island of Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, including Grande Comore, Anjouan, Moheli, and Mayotte. Within Madagascar, it is widespread across virtually all habitat types, from coastal plains to the central plateau, inhabiting both humid eastern rainforests an...
Least Concern
- The Crested Drongo is renowned for its exceptional vocal mimicry, capable of imitating the calls of numerous other bird species, which it uses for various social interactions. - It is a notorious kleptoparasite, frequently stealing food, especially large insects, from other birds and even mongo...