Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is one of the most familiar and charismatic birds across South Asia. With its glossy black feathers, striking forked tail, and bold personality, this species is a favorite among birdwatchers, photographers, and farmers alike.

Identification

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a medium-sized passerine bird that is easy to recognize thanks to its glossy black plumage, deeply forked tail, and upright posture.

Size and Measurements

• Length: 28–30 cm (11–12 in)
• Wingspan: Approximately 32–34 cm (12.5–13.5 in)
• Weight: 40–55 g (1.4–1.9 oz)

Plumage

Adult Black Drongos are entirely black with a glossy bluish or greenish sheen that becomes more noticeable in bright sunlight. Their feathers appear smooth and sleek, giving the bird a polished appearance.

Male and Female

Male and female Black Drongos look almost identical in appearance. Females may be slightly smaller on average, but the difference is difficult to notice in the field without close observation.

Behavior

One of the Black Drongo's most remarkable characteristics is its fearless nature.

It aggressively defends its territory against birds several times larger than itself. Raptors such as Shikras, Black Kites, and even eagles are often chased away through repeated aerial attacks.

The Black Drongo also performs spectacular aerial acrobatics while hunting insects. It usually waits on an exposed perch before launching into the air to catch prey with remarkable speed and precision, returning to the same perch afterward.

Birdwatchers often observe individuals sitting motionless for several minutes before suddenly darting into flight to capture an insect.

Feeding Habits

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is primarily an insectivorous bird, feeding mainly on flying and ground-dwelling insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, dragonflies, butterflies, termites, ants, and moths. It hunts by perching on exposed branches, fences, or electric wires before making swift aerial flights to capture prey. The species often follows grazing livestock, tractors, and farmers to catch insects disturbed by their movement. Occasionally, it also eats small lizards, frogs, spiders, and berries when insects are scarce. As an efficient natural pest controller, the Black Drongo plays an important ecological role by helping reduce harmful insect populations in agricultural landscapes.

Breeding and Nesting

The breeding season usually lasts from March to August, although it varies slightly depending on rainfall and local climate.

Nest Construction

The nest is:

• Small and cup-shaped
• Built from twigs, grass, roots, and fine fibers
• Carefully bound together with spider webs
• Positioned high on horizontal tree branches

Both the male and female cooperate in building the nest.

Eggs and Chicks

A typical clutch contains 3–5 cream-colored eggs with reddish-brown spots.

Incubation lasts approximately 14–16 days, with both parents sharing responsibilities. Once the chicks hatch, they are fed continuously with insects until they are ready to leave the nest after about three weeks.

During this period, adult drongos become highly aggressive and will attack virtually any animal approaching the nest, including humans.

Distribution

The Black Drongo has an extensive distribution throughout  Southeast Asia.

It occurs in:

• Bangladesh
• India
• Pakistan
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Sri Lanka
• Myanmar

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Black Drongo as Least Concern (LC) due to its extensive range and large, stable population.

Nevertheless, continued conservation efforts remain important to preserve the diverse habitats on which the species depends.

Threats

Although the Black Drongo remains common across most of its range, several factors could negatively affect local populations.

Major threats include:

• Habitat loss
• Urban expansion
• Removal of mature roadside trees
• Excessive pesticide use
• Climate change
• Collisions with vehicles
• Electrocution from poorly designed power infrastructure

Reducing pesticide use and preserving native trees can help maintain healthy populations of this beneficial bird.

Birdwatching Tips

The Black Drongo is relatively easy to observe throughout the year.

For the best viewing experience:

• Visit open farmland shortly after sunrise or before sunset.
• Watch utility wires and isolated tree branches.
• Listen for its sharp metallic calls.
• Observe its impressive aerial hunting displays.
• Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for close observation while maintaining a respectful distance.