Dicrurus adsimilis
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.
Length
23cm to 26cm
Wingspan
35cm to 41cm
Weight
40g to 50g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black
Secondary Colour
Iridescent
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Black
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Sea level to 2,500 meters
Tropical, Subtropical
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Fork-tailed Drongo. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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