Dicrurus sumatranus
The Sumatran Drongo (Dicrurus sumatranus) is a captivating passerine endemic to the dense forests of Sumatra, Indonesia. Measuring approximately 25-30 cm in length, this species is characterized by its entirely glossy black plumage, which shimmers with iridescent blue-green highlights, particularly noticeable in good light. A key field mark is its deeply forked tail, typical of drongos, and a distinct, often quite prominent, frontal crest of curled feathers, especially in males, though not as...
Inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen forests, forest edges, and sometimes adjacent plantations, typically from lowlands up to 1500 meters above sea level.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as moths, butterflies, beetles, and cicadas, which it catches in flight or gleans from foliage.
The Sumatran Drongo is a diurnal and highly active insectivore, often observed perching prominently on exposed branches or dead snags, from which it sallies out to catch prey mid-air. They are fiercely territorial, aggressively defending their nesting sites and foraging grounds from intruders, in...
The Sumatran Drongo is strictly endemic to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, where it is found across its breadth. Its distribution spans various elevations, from coastal lowlands up into the montane forests, typically reaching altitudes of up to 1500 meters, though occasional records exist hig...
Least Concern
- The Sumatran Drongo is a master mimic, capable of imitating the calls of numerous other bird species, which it uses for various communication purposes, sometimes even to trick other birds. - Despite its relatively small size, this drongo is incredibly fearless, often mobbing and driving away ra...