Ashy Drongo

The ashy drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a bird of considerable elegance, cloaked in shades of grey, with a long, deeply forked tail that it carries with pride. This species exhibits a delightful variety of grey hues across its subspecies, and some are adorned with white accents near the eyes. The juveniles wear a more subdued brownish-grey attire, hinting at the sophistication they will acquire with age.

Identification Tips

To distinguish the ashy drongo from its relatives, note its slender build and the absence of the black drongo's glossy sheen. The tail is a defining feature—longer and less splayed than its cousin's. The crimson iris of the ashy drongo is a window to its soul, and unlike the black drongo, it lacks the white rictal spot. Subspecies such as leucogenis and salangensis are noted for their distinctive white eye-patches.

Habitat

The ashy drongo is a denizen of tall forests, where it can be seen perched with an upright posture that exudes confidence. It is particularly fond of hill forests, especially during the winter months.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, from the hills of tropical southern Asia to the eastern reaches of Afghanistan, and all the way to southern China, the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, and Indonesia. The ashy drongo is a traveler at heart, with many northern populations embarking on migratory journeys.

Behaviour

The ashy drongo is an insectivore, engaging in aerial forays to capture its prey, though it may occasionally glean insects from tree trunks. It is often observed alone or in pairs, but during migration, it may form small, sociable flocks.

Song & Calls

The ashy drongo's vocal repertoire includes a distinctive "drangh gip" or "gip-gip-drangh." It is also a skilled mimic, capable of reproducing the whistling notes of the common iora with remarkable accuracy.

Breeding

Breeding season for the ashy drongo is a time of nest building and egg laying from May to June. The nests are loose cup structures placed within trees, where three to four reddish or brown eggs are carefully deposited.

Similar Species

The black drongo is often mistaken for the ashy drongo, but the latter can be differentiated by its more slender form, longer tail, and the lack of a white rictal spot.

Diet and Feeding

The ashy drongo's diet consists primarily of insects, which it hunts with agility and precision. It is an adept flyer, snatching its meals mid-air or plucking them from the bark of trees.

Conservation status

The ashy drongo is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species graces our skies in healthy numbers.