Dicrurus caerulescens
The White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens) is a medium-sized passerine, instantly recognizable by its striking contrast of glossy black upperparts against a pristine white belly and vent. Measuring approximately 23-26 cm in length and weighing between 32-50 grams, it boasts a relatively short, slightly forked tail, distinguishing it from other drongo species with deeply forked or racket-tipped tails. Its intense crimson-red eyes are a prominent field mark, and some populations exhibit a...
Primarily inhabits deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, scrub jungles, and well-wooded gardens from the lowlands up to elevations of about 1500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, preying on a wide range of insects caught in flight (hawking) or gleaned from foliage; occasionally consumes nectar.
White-bellied Drongos are diurnal and often conspicuous, perching prominently on exposed branches from which they sally forth to catch prey. They exhibit strong territorial behavior, aggressively defending their nesting and foraging areas from both conspecifics and much larger birds, including ra...
The White-bellied Drongo is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, with its primary breeding and resident range extending across central and southern India, as well as Sri Lanka. In India, it is widespread south of the Indo-Gangetic plain, extending eastwards into parts of Bangladesh and occasionall...
Least Concern
- The White-bellied Drongo is known to mimic the calls of other bird species, a trait thought to help it integrate into mixed-species foraging flocks and potentially deceive other birds for food. - Despite its relatively small size, it is incredibly bold and will actively chase away much larger p...