Spangled Drongo

The Spangled Drongo, Dicrurus bracteatus, is a distinctive bird with a glossy black plumage that shimmers with iridescent blue and purple highlights. Its eyes are a striking crimson, and it boasts a long, outcurved, and deeply forked tail, which can appear as if the feathers are elegantly crossed.

Identification Tips

Adult Spangled Drongos can be identified by their iridescent plumage and red eyes. The tail is particularly notable for its unique shape. Juveniles, however, have a more subdued appearance with dark brown eyes and lack the adults' bright highlights and spots.

Habitat

This species is known to breed high in isolated trees, preferring open spaces within the canopy that are challenging for predators to access stealthily.

Distribution

The Spangled Drongo is the sole representative of its family in Australia. It is a migratory bird that arrives in Queensland during the late spring.

Behaviour

The Spangled Drongo is an uninhibited bird, displaying a range of behaviors from the comical to the acrobatic as it swoops in pursuit of its prey. It is known to be quite tameable in urban settings, demonstrating impressive aerial agility when catching tossed morsels of meat. This bird is also an exceptional mimic, incorporating a variety of sounds from its environment into its vocal repertoire.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Spangled Drongo are complex and entertaining, sometimes resembling a "sneeze." Its ability to mimic the sounds it hears results in a diverse and fascinating song.

Breeding

These birds are seasonal breeders, arriving in high-altitude areas around Brisbane in Queensland during late spring. They construct cup-shaped nests and typically produce three to five young each year.

Diet and Feeding

The Spangled Drongo feeds on insects, small birds, and occasionally small skinks, showcasing its agility as it hunts for food.

Conservation status

The Spangled Drongo is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.