Fork-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Fork-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
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The Fork-tailed Drongo-cuckoo is a small, glossy black cuckoo renowned for its remarkable mimicry of a drongo, particularly its deeply forked tail. This resemblance helps it blend into drongo flocks, facilitating its brood-parasitic lifestyle.
Where to spot
Distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, typically found in open woodlands, forest edges, cultivated areas with scattered trees, and bamboo thickets.
How to spot
Look for its drongo-like appearance, but note its generally smaller size, more slender bill, and distinctive cuckoo calls which are quite unlike a drongo's. Often seen perched conspicuously or darting between trees.
When to spot
Most active and vocal during the breeding season (spring/summer in its range). Some populations are migratory, so timing observations with their presence is key.
Where to spot
Distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, typically found in open woodlands, forest edges, cultivated areas with scattered trees, and bamboo thickets.
How to spot
Look for its drongo-like appearance, but note its generally smaller size, more slender bill, and distinctive cuckoo calls which are quite unlike a drongo's. Often seen perched conspicuously or darting between trees.
When to spot
Most active and vocal during the breeding season (spring/summer in its range). Some populations are migratory, so timing observations with their presence is key.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Its mimicry of drongos is so effective that it is frequently mistaken for one by both human observers and, more importantly, by potential host birds, likely reducing aggression towards the cuckoo.
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