Dicrurus paradiseus
The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, *Dicrurus paradiseus*, is a striking passerine bird of the Drongidae family, celebrated for its glossy black plumage and exceptionally long, deeply forked tail with characteristic bare shafts terminating in distinctive spatulate "rackets." Adults measure an impressive 31-65 cm in length, with the tail streamers alone often exceeding 30 cm, and weigh between 74-123 grams. A prominent crest of curled feathers adorns its head, a key field mark alongside its uniq...
Primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, including evergreen, deciduous, and bamboo forests. Also found in secondary growth, plantations, large gardens, and along forest edges, typically at low to mid-elevations up to 2,000 meters.
Predominantly insectivorous, feeding on large moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and termites, caught primarily through aerial hawking or gleaning. Occasionally consumes nectar, small lizards, and berries.
Greater Racket-tailed Drongos are highly diurnal, often perching conspicuously on exposed branches, actively scanning for prey. They typically roost communally in large groups, especially outside the breeding season. Foraging involves adept aerial hawking for flying insects, gleaning prey from fo...
The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo boasts an extensive distribution across the Oriental biogeographical region, stretching from the western Himalayas eastward across the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. Its range continues through Southeast Asia, encompassing Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, T...
Least Concern
- The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is a legendary mimic, capable of imitating a wide range of bird calls, and even the sounds of other animals, with astonishing accuracy. - Its distinctive "racket" shaped tail streamers are formed by bare feather shafts with spatulate tips, often making up more t...