Dicrurus ludwigii
The Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii) is a striking passerine known for its glossy, jet-black plumage and distinctive square-cut tail, a key field mark that differentiates it from other drongo species, particularly the Fork-tailed Drongo. Measuring approximately 18-19 cm (7.1-7.5 in) in length and weighing between 45-50 grams, it is among the smaller members of the drongo family (Dicruridae). Its overall appearance is enhanced by deep red eyes, contrasting with the dark feathers. Taxon...
This species primarily inhabits dense evergreen forests, mature woodlands, and riparian thickets, preferring the forest edge or understory. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations, occasionally reaching higher altitudes in East Africa.
The diet of the Square-tailed Drongo primarily consists of a wide variety of insects, such as beetles, moths, termites, and grasshoppers. They are expert aerial foragers, hawking prey in flight, and also glean insects from foliage or the ground.
Square-tailed Drongos are diurnal birds, primarily active during daylight hours, often resting inconspicuously within dense foliage during the hottest parts of the day. They are agile aerial insectivores, employing a sallying technique from prominent perches to catch insects in flight, but also g...
The Square-tailed Drongo boasts a wide, though somewhat disjunct, distribution across sub-Saharan Africa. Its range extends from West Africa, including countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cameroon, eastward through Central Africa to parts of Kenya and Tanzania. Southward, it is found throug...
Least Concern
- The Square-tailed Drongo is one of the smallest drongo species, contrasting with its larger relatives like the Fork-tailed Drongo. - Its common name directly refers to its distinctive, un-forked tail, a key identifier. - This species is an accomplished vocal mimic, capable of imitating calls of...