Dicrurus sharpei
The Sharpe's Drongo (*Dicrurus sharpei*) is a small, striking passerine belonging to the family Dicruridae, known for its glossy black plumage and bold demeanor. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm in length and weighing around 32-41 grams, it possesses a distinctly forked tail, though less deeply incised than many of its drongo relatives, often appearing somewhat squared. Its most notable field mark, apart from its overall dark appearance, is sometimes a reddish eye, though this can be variable...
This species primarily inhabits dense lowland and mid-elevation evergreen forests, including secondary growth, forest edges, and riverine woodlands, often found near water sources up to 1,500 meters.
The diet of Sharpe's Drongo consists predominantly of large insects, including beetles, moths, crickets, and termites, caught primarily by aerial hawking or gleaning from vegetation. Occasionally, it may consume small vertebrates like lizards, nectar, or fruit.
Sharpe's Drongo is a diurnal and highly active bird, typically found alone or in pairs. It employs various foraging strategies, primarily sallying from a prominent perch to catch insects in flight, but also gleans prey from foliage and occasionally joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Renowned fo...
Sharpe's Drongo has a broad and continuous distribution across West and Central Africa, extending from Guinea-Bissau in the west, through countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Its range continues eastward into the Central African Republic, northe...
Least Concern
- Sharpe's Drongo was once considered a subspecies of the Square-tailed Drongo (*Dicrurus ludwigii*) but was elevated to full species status due to distinct vocal and genetic differences. - Despite its relatively small size, it is known for its incredibly aggressive territorial defense, frequentl...