Dicrurus striatus
The common name "Short-tailed Drongo" most widely refers to *Dicrurus ludwigii*, also known as the Square-tailed Drongo, a species found across sub-Saharan Africa. The scientific name *Dicrurus striatus*, as provided, is not currently recognized as a distinct species by major ornithological authorities like the IOC or eBird; it is often listed as a synonym for *Dicrurus balicassius* or a subspecies of *Dicrurus leucophaeus*. Assuming the intent was to describe the widely recognized Short-tail...
Typically found in dense forest understory, woodlands, and secondary growth, often along forest edges and near rivers or streams; generally present from sea level up to approximately 1,800 meters elevation.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide array of aerial and arboreal insects such as beetles, moths, grasshoppers, ants, and termites; occasionally supplements its diet with small vertebrates or nectar.
Primarily diurnal, Short-tailed Drongos are often observed singly or in pairs, occasionally joining mixed-species foraging flocks to exploit insect flushes. Their foraging strategy involves sallying out from concealed perches within the dense understory to snatch flying insects, alongside gleanin...
The Short-tailed Drongo (*Dicrurus ludwigii*) is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing a broad range from Senegal and Gambia in the west, eastward through the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, and extending south through Angola, Zambia, Mozam...
Least Concern
- Despite its common name, the tail of the Short-tailed Drongo is more accurately described as 'square' or only slightly forked, a distinct feature among its deeply forked-tailed relatives. - It holds the distinction of being the smallest drongo species, contributing to its agility and ability to...