Fork-tailed Drongo

Least Concern

Dicrurus adsimilis

Against the backdrop of Africa's diverse landscapes, this bold and resourceful bird has earned a reputation as nature's master trickster, using clever deception to steal food from other animals.

Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

23cm to 26cm

Wingspan

35cm to 41cm

Weight

40g to 50g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Black

Secondary Colour

Iridescent

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Black

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

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.

Elevation Range

Sea level to 2,500 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident
Non-breeding

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85
Strength 45
Adaptability 90
Aggressiveness 95
Endurance 75

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 6 - 12 years [1]
0
4
7
11
14

years

The Fork-tailed Drongo typically lives for 6 to 12 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but considered large [3]

Global Population Trend

Stable[4]

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

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Common Drongo, African Drongo

Family:

Dicruridae

Predators

Main predators include larger birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, as well as some mammals like genets and monkeys that may raid nests.

Did You Know?

  1. Fork-tailed Drongos are known as 'highway robbers' due to their habit of stealing food from other birds.
  2. They use mimicry not only for defence but also to deceive other animals and steal their food.
  3. These birds have been observed acting as sentinels for mixed-species feeding flocks.

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References

  1. 1 3

    other: Oldest recorded trapped bird was 7 years, so thought to live longer

  2. 2 4

    website: BirdLife International. 2024. Dicrurus adsimilis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T103710902A263855757.

    View source