black drongo

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a small yet remarkably bold passerine bird belonging to the Dicruridae family. Native to tropical southern Asia, this bird is easily recognized by its glossy black plumage and deeply forked tail. Often seen perched on power lines or the backs of grazing cattle, the Black Drongo is a staple of open landscapes across its vast range.

Adult Black Drongos measure approximately 28 cm in length. They possess an entirely glossy black plumage that shimmers in sunlight, accented by a small white spot at the base of the gape. Their most defining feature is the wide, deeply forked tail. While adults have dark brown irises, juveniles appear more brownish with white speckling on the belly and vent.

The Black Drongo thrives in a variety of open habitats, including savannahs, farmlands, and light forests. They are frequently found near water sources and human habitations, ranging from sea level up to elevations of 2,000 meters. Their preference for open areas allows them to utilize bare perches for hunting.

Primarily insectivorous, the Black Drongo feeds on a wide array of prey:

• Insects: Ants, termites, locusts, crickets, beetles, bees, moths, and butterflies.
• Small Vertebrates: Occasionally consumes small reptiles, birds, and even bats.
• Nectar: It plays a vital role in pollination by feeding on flower nectar.

The breeding season typically occurs from February to August. They build cup-shaped nests in the fork of a branch, often high up in a tree. Smaller, less aggressive bird species frequently choose to nest near Black Drongos to benefit from their fierce protection against predators.

Known as the "King Crow," this species is famously aggressive. They do not hesitate to dive-bomb much larger birds, such as crows or birds of prey, to defend their territory. They are also skilled mimics, capable of producing a wide range of calls, including a two-note sound that resembles the Shikra hawk.

The Black Drongo is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large population and wide distribution. However, in some Pacific islands where it was introduced, it has become an invasive species, threatening local biodiversity.

1. They are often seen riding on the backs of cattle to catch insects stirred up by the animals.
2. Their aggressive nature protects other smaller birds nesting nearby from predators.
3. They can mimic the calls of hawks to scare other birds away from food.
4. The species was previously considered the same as the African fork-tailed drongo.

To spot a Black Drongo, look for them on conspicuous perches like telephone wires, fences, or bare tree branches in open fields. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Listen for their sharp, metallic calls or mimicry of other birds to locate them quickly.

The Black Drongo is a fascinating example of avian courage and adaptability. Whether it is performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers to catch insects or chasing off a predator ten times its size, this "King Crow" remains one of the most charismatic and essential species in the Asian ecosystem.