Dicrurus hottentottus
The Hair-crested Drongo, scientifically known as Dicrurus hottentottus, is a striking passerine bird renowned for its glossy, iridescent blue-black plumage and distinctive shaggy, hair-like crest on its forehead, which can vary in prominence. Averaging 29-32 cm in length and weighing between 50-80 grams, its most noticeable field marks include its vivid red eyes and a deeply forked tail with outwardly curving tips. Taxonomically, it belongs to the family Dicruridae, encompassing a diverse gro...
Found in a variety of wooded habitats, including open forests, deciduous and evergreen woodlands, plantations, gardens, and cultivated areas, often near water bodies. It typically occurs from sea level up to elevations of around 2,000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide array of insects such as butterflies, moths, beetles, termites, bees, and wasps. They also consume nectar, small vertebrates like lizards, and occasionally small fruits.
Hair-crested Drongos are diurnal and highly active, often conspicuous in their habitat. They are accomplished aerial insectivores, engaging in hawking flights from prominent perches to catch prey in mid-air, but also glean insects from foliage and tree trunks. They exhibit fierce territoriality, ...
The Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus sensu stricto) boasts an expansive distribution across the Oriental region, being resident throughout most of its range. It is found across the Indian subcontinent, eastward through mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia...
Least Concern
- The Hair-crested Drongo is a master mimic, capable of imitating the calls of many other bird species, often incorporating them into its own complex vocalizations. - It is a known kleptoparasite, frequently stealing food from other birds and animals, sometimes using sophisticated tactics like fa...