Dicrurus bracteatus
The Spangled Drongo, *Dicrurus bracteatus*, is a striking medium-sized passerine bird, renowned for its glossy black plumage that shimmers with iridescent blue-green spangles, especially visible in good light. Averaging 28-32 cm in length and weighing between 75-125 grams, its most distinctive feature is a deeply forked, fishtail-like tail and conspicuous blood-red eyes. This species is classified within the family Dicruridae, making its closest relatives other drongo species, all known for t...
Found in a variety of wooded habitats, from dense tropical rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests to open woodlands, mangroves, and even suburban gardens. It prefers areas with scattered tall trees for perching and foraging, typically at low to mid-elevations from sea level up to 2000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide array of insects such as moths, butterflies, beetles, termites, and bees, captured mostly by aerial hawking. They also consume small vertebrates, nectar, and fruit, and are noted for their kleptoparasitic behavior.
Spangled Drongos are highly active diurnal birds, often seen perching conspicuously on exposed branches or power lines. Their foraging strategies are diverse, primarily involving aerial pursuit of insects, but also gleaning prey from foliage, darting to the ground, and engaging in sophisticated k...
The Spangled Drongo has a broad distribution across Australasia and parts of Southeast Asia. Its main breeding range extends throughout northern and eastern Australia, from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the Northern Territory, Queensland, and down the eastern coast into New So...
Least Concern
- The Spangled Drongo is a master of mimicry, capable of imitating the calls of dozens of other bird species, often incorporating them into its own complex songs. - They famously use 'false alarm calls' to scare other birds or animals away from their food, only to swoop down and steal the abandon...