Fork-tailed Drongo

Dicrurus adsimilis

Broad-leaved & acacia bushveld. Forked tail diagnostic. Ruby-red eye, noisy and conspicuous.
Drongos
LC
Not Endemic
Fork-tailed Drongo Newman's Birds

Description

Common resident. Differs from all similar black birds in prominent forked tail, the outer feathers splayed outwards; cf. [Common Square-tailed Drongo], which has only a shallow fork in its tail. Other features are deep ruby-red eye and powerful bill. Sexes alike; immature as illustrated. Utters a variety of unmusical twanging notes interspersed with imitations of other bird calls, especially those of owls and other birds of prey. Occurs singly or in pairs in almost any non-forest habitat with trees. Noisy and aggressive.

Quick Facts

size

Size

25 cm - M

behaviour

Names

A: Mikstertbyvanger
Z: iNtengu
Ss: Theko
G: Trauerdrongo, Gabelschwanzdrongo

Bird Family

Black insectivorous birds with prominent rictal bristles. They hawk insects from a perch in woodland and bushveld and are pugnacious, habitually mobbing larger birds, even pecking the heads of eagles.

Black
Savanna Bushveld

Distribution

Gallery

behaviour

Behaviour

Breeding

Breeding

Habitat

Habitat

Occurs singly or in pairs in almost any non-'forest' habitat with trees.

behaviour

Best Locations

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