Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus)
The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Dicruridae. It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and China. The Black Drongo inhabits a variety of habitats, including open forests, woodlands, savannas, and agricultural areas, often near water sources.
Physical Characteristics:
The Black Drongo is a small bird, measuring around 28-30 centimeters (11-12 inches) in length. It has a sleek, glossy black plumage and a distinctive, deeply forked tail. The eyes are dark brown, and the bill is black and slightly hooked at the tip. Both males and females share similar coloration and markings, with little sexual dimorphism.
Diet:
The Black Drongo primarily feeds on insects, such as beetles, flies, and grasshoppers. It often catches its prey in mid-air (a behavior known as “hawking”) or by gleaning insects from the foliage or the ground. Occasionally, it may also consume small fruits and seeds.
Reproduction and Lifecycle:
The breeding season for the Black Drongo occurs between April and August, depending on the location. These birds are monogamous and form long-lasting pair bonds. They build a small, cup-shaped nest from twigs, grasses, and other plant materials, usually placed in the fork of a tree or bush.
The female lays 2 to 4 pale, speckled eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around 12-14 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed and cared for by both parents until they fledge, or leave the nest, at about 15-19 days old. The young birds continue to receive care from their parents for a few more weeks before becoming fully independent.
Conservation Status:
The Black Drongo is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its wide distribution and stable population. The species is not facing any major threats at present. However, habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urbanization could pose potential risks to the Black Drongo population in the future.