Sri Lanka Drongo

The Sri Lanka drongo, also known as the Ceylon crested drongo, is a striking bird with a glossy black plumage that shimmers with metallic blue or greenish-blue hues. It boasts an arching, helmet-like crest atop its head and a deeply forked tail, which adds to its distinctive silhouette. The red eye of this bird is a vivid contrast to its dark feathers, and both sexes share a similar appearance.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Sri Lanka drongo, look for its glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, the pronounced crest on its head, and its deeply forked tail. The red eye is also a key feature to distinguish it from other species. Observers should note that the bird's overall black coloration can make it challenging to spot in the dense forest habitats it frequents.

Habitat

The Sri Lanka drongo is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, where it inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as montane forests. It is a bird of the forest, often found along the edges, in plantations, and in wooded gardens.

Distribution

This species is found throughout the Wet zone of the South Western parts of Sri Lanka, ranging from Deduru Oya to Walawe. It is a bird that is very much a part of the island's lush forest ecosystems.

Behaviour

The Sri Lanka drongo is a forest dweller that prefers the periphery of the woods, plantations, and wooded gardens. It typically feeds on insects, which it catches from open perches. Known for its vocal mimicry, the drongo can imitate the calls of other birds, though its renditions often have a metallic quality.

Song & Calls

The Sri Lanka drongo is an accomplished mimic, capable of imitating the calls of various bird species. Its own calls, however, are distinct in having a metallic sound, which can help birdwatchers distinguish it from the birds it impersonates.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Sri Lanka drongo as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation concern.

Similar Species

While the Sri Lanka drongo was once considered a subspecies of the greater racket-tailed drongo, it is now recognized as a separate species. It differs from its relatives in tail morphology and possibly voice, making careful observation and listening key to distinguishing it from similar species.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Sri Lanka drongo consists primarily of insects, which it adeptly captures from its vantage points on open perches within its forested habitat.