Dicrurus waldenii
The Mayotte Drongo (Dicrurus waldenii) is a captivating, medium-sized passerine endemic to the lush island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. Measuring approximately 25-28 centimeters in length, excluding its distinctive tail streamers, this bird boasts a striking glossy black plumage that often shimmers with iridescent blue-green highlights under direct light. Its most prominent field marks include a deeply forked tail, whose outer rectrices curl elegantly outwards, and piercing bright red eyes...
This adaptable island endemic thrives across a variety of tropical and subtropical environments on Mayotte, primarily inhabiting moist lowland forests, dry woodlands, and secondary growth. It can also be found venturing into cultivated areas and gardens, from sea level up to the island's highest ...
The Mayotte Drongo's diet is primarily insectivorous, consisting of a wide array of invertebrates such as grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and termites, which are frequently caught in flight. They also glean insects from vegetation and occasionally consume small vertebrates.
The Mayotte Drongo is a predominantly diurnal bird, often observed perching conspicuously on exposed branches, meticulously scanning for prey. Its primary foraging strategy involves swift, acrobatic aerial sallies to snatch flying insects mid-air, though it also gleans invertebrates from foliage ...
The Mayotte Drongo's geographic distribution is exceptionally narrow, being entirely endemic to the small, crescent-shaped volcanic island of Mayotte, a French overseas department situated within the Comoro archipelago in the Indian Ocean. This resident species can be found across the entirety of...
Least Concern
- The striking bright red eyes of the Mayotte Drongo are a unique identifier, instantly distinguishing it from other dark-plumaged birds on the island. - As a true island specialist, this drongo species is found exclusively on Mayotte, making it a prized sighting for endemic bird enthusiasts. - D...