Dicrurus lophorinus
The Sri Lanka Drongo, *Dicrurus lophorinus*, is a captivating passerine endemic to the island nation, distinguished by its sleek, glossy black plumage and a prominent, stiff frontal crest of curled feathers. A large drongo, it typically measures between 32-36 cm in body length, with its characteristic long, deeply forked tail adding an additional 30-35 cm, often tipped with distinctive 'rackets' that vary in size compared to its mainland relatives. Its striking red eyes offer a vivid contrast...
Primarily inhabits dense wet evergreen forests, mature secondary growth, and forest edges in the low to mid-elevation zones of Sri Lanka, occasionally found in large gardens with tall trees.
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as moths, butterflies, beetles, termites, and grasshoppers, supplemented occasionally by small vertebrates like lizards, small birds, and nectar from large flowers, primarily caught through aerial hawking or gleaning.
This diurnal species is highly active, often observed foraging during the day and roosting inconspicuously in dense canopy at night. Its foraging strategy involves agile aerial pursuits of insects, gleaning prey from foliage, and hawking insects in flight, often joining or leading mixed-species f...
The Sri Lanka Drongo (*Dicrurus lophorinus*) is strictly endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, where it is found throughout the wet zone and parts of the intermediate climatic zone. Its distribution covers the lowlands up to mid-elevations, typically not exceeding 1500 meters (approximately 5000 fe...
Least Concern
- The Sri Lanka Drongo is entirely endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, making it a special avian treasure. - Known as 'Konda Kawuda' (Crested Crow) in Sinhala, reflecting its prominent crest and often crow-like behavior. - It is one of the most accomplished vocal mimics in the avian world, capabl...