Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

100

1 week ago

Points: 100

Spotted

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is an unmistakable and spectacular bird, renowned for its extremely long, deeply forked tail, from which two outer feathers extend as bare shafts ending in twisted, iridescent 'rackets'. Its plumage is glossy black. It is a highly intelligent and vocal mimic.

Where to spot

Widespread across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia. It prefers dense broadleaf forests, tropical evergreen forests, bamboo thickets, and large gardens.

How to spot

Unmistakable due to its long, racket-tipped tail streamers and glossy black plumage. It often perches high and conspicuously. Listen for its incredibly varied and complex vocalizations, which include a wide range of mimicked sounds, whistles, and metallic calls.

When to spot

Active during daylight hours, observable year-round as it is a resident species. Often more vocal during the breeding season.

Where to spot

Widespread across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia. It prefers dense broadleaf forests, tropical evergreen forests, bamboo thickets, and large gardens.

How to spot

When to spot

Active during daylight hours, observable year-round as it is a resident species. Often more vocal during the breeding season.

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is an exceptional vocal mimic, not only imitating other birds and animals but also being observed to intentionally use false alarm calls to distract other feeding birds and steal their food.

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