Species Profile
Fork-tailed Drongo
Dicrurus adsimilis
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Common Drongo, African Drongo
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Appearance
The Fork-tailed Drongo is a sleek, all-black bird with a distinctive, deeply forked tail. Its plumage has a glossy, iridescent sheen that can appear blue or green in certain lights. The eyes are bright red, contrasting sharply with the black feathers.
Both males and females look alike, with no significant seasonal changes in plumage. Juveniles are similar but duller, with brownish underparts and a less pronounced tail fork.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Iridescent
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Fork-tailed Drongos are widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. They inhabit a range of open woodland habitats, including savannah, bushveld, and forest edges.
These birds are non-migratory and maintain year-round territories. They are absent from dense forests and arid regions, preferring areas with scattered trees and open ground.
Distribution
Diet
Fork-tailed Drongos are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects. They catch prey on the wing or by sallying from a perch.
These birds are also known to follow larger animals, catching insects disturbed by their movement.
Behaviour
Fork-tailed Drongos are known for their aggressive behaviour and fearless nature. They often mob larger birds and even mammals to protect their territory.
These birds are also skilled aerial acrobats, catching insects on the wing with impressive agility.
Calls & Sounds
Fork-tailed Drongos are excellent vocal mimics with a wide repertoire of calls. Their natural voice includes harsh, scolding notes and melodious whistles.
They often imitate the alarm calls of other birds, which they use to scare away competitors from food sources. The typical call is a sharp 'kek-kek' or 'skeer-skeer'.
Nesting & Breeding
Fork-tailed Drongos form monogamous pairs and breed during the wet season, which varies across their range. They engage in aerial displays and vocalisations during courtship.
The nest is a shallow, cup-shaped structure made of twigs and spider webs, typically placed in the fork of a tree branch. Females lay 2-4 eggs, which are pale cream or pinkish with reddish-brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 16-17 days. The chicks fledge after approximately 16-20 days but remain dependent on the parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
The Fork-tailed Drongo is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. However, like many birds, it faces threats from habitat loss in some areas.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving its woodland and savannah habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive forked tail in flight
- Listen for their varied calls, including mimicry of other birds
- Watch for their habit of perching prominently on exposed branches
- Observe their aggressive behaviour towards larger birds
Did You Know?
- Fork-tailed Drongos are known as 'highway robbers' due to their habit of stealing food from other birds.
- They use mimicry not only for defence but also to deceive other animals and steal their food.
- These birds have been observed acting as sentinels for mixed-species feeding flocks.
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