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A photo of a Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus)
Spangled Drongo

Spangled Drongo

Dicrurus bracteatus

The spangled drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus) is a bird of the family Dicruridae. It is the only drongo to be found in Australia, where it can be recognised by its black, iridescent plumage and its characteristic forked tail. It feeds on insects and small vertebrates. It has complex and varied calls and is a mimic of the sounds it hears. It arrives in Queensland in late spring and breeds high in an isolated tree, producing three to five young each year. Its basically black plumage is iridescent with blue and purple highlights. Its eyes are crimson. The most remarkable characteristic of its appearance is its tail, which is described by Morcombe as "long, outcurved and forked" and on first examination looks like its feathers are crossed over – like crossing your fingers. Young drongos lack the highlights and spots and their eyes are dark brown.
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Spangled Drongos on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
🦢
Hannah Rolland
Wednesday 24 May 2023 - 7:39am
Australia
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Nick Newbz
Nick Newbz
Friday 19 May 2023 - 12:20am
Australia
A map showing the sighting location
🐠
Matthew Jacobs
Tuesday 25 Apr 2023 - 9:44pm
Australia
A photo of a Spangled Drongo photographed in  Australia
Profile picture for Hugh Jass
Hugh Jass
Tuesday 18 Apr 2023 - 8:35am
Australia
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