Common Square-tailed Drongo

The Square-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus ludwigii, presents a striking figure with its glossy black plumage, though the wings appear somewhat duller. This small, yet bold avian measures at a modest 19 cm (7.5 inches) in length. The male of the species boasts a more pronounced sheen than the female. Both sexes have a robust black bill and a captivating red eye, contributing to their distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

Distinguishing the Square-tailed Drongo from its relatives can be quite straightforward. It is smaller in size compared to the Fork-tailed Drongo and lacks the pronounced forked tail that characterizes its cousin. When perched, it adopts a very upright stance, reminiscent of a shrike, and its short legs are notable. Observers should look for these key features for accurate identification.

Habitat

These birds are typically found in forests or areas with dense bush, where they can be seen perched prominently, surveying their domain.

Distribution

The Square-tailed Drongo is a common resident breeder in southern Africa, with its range extending from Somalia and Kenya in the north, down through Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and into South Africa.

Behaviour

Despite their small stature, Square-tailed Drongos are known for their aggressive and fearless nature. They will not hesitate to confront larger species if they perceive a threat to their nest or young. Their behavior includes flycatching or foraging for prey on the ground.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Square-tailed Drongo are quite harsh, with a characteristic 'cherit-cherit' call that can often be heard within their habitat.

Breeding

The breeding habits of these birds involve the construction of a cup-shaped nest situated high in a tree fork. They typically lay two to three eggs.

Similar Species

The Fork-tailed Drongo is the most similar species, but can be differentiated by its larger size and deeply forked tail. It also prefers more open habitats compared to the Square-tailed Drongo.

Diet and Feeding

As insectivores, Square-tailed Drongos primarily feed on insects, which they adeptly catch in flight or pick off from the ground.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Square-tailed Drongo as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.