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Common Square-tailed Drongo

Dicrurus ludwigii

The common square-tailed drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii), formerly the square-tailed drongo, is a passerine bird in the family Dicruridae. It is a common resident breeder in parts of southern Africa. These insectivorous birds are usually found in forests or dense bush. They are aggressive and fearless birds, given their small size, at 19 cm, and will attack much larger species if their nest or young are threatened. The male is mainly glossy black, although the wings are duller. The female is similar but less glossy. The bill is black and heavy, and the eye is red. This species is similar to the fork-tailed drongo, but is smaller, and the shorter tail lacks the deep fork which gives the latter species its name. The fork-tailed drongo is also typically found in more open habitat. The common square-tailed drongo has short legs and sits very upright whilst perched prominently, like a shrike. It flycatches or take prey from the ground. The call is a harsh cherit-cherit. Two to three eggs are laid in a cup nest in a fork high in a tree.
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Common Square-tailed Drongos on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
🐧
Tara Naeser
Tuesday 19 Sep 2023 - 7:05am
South Africa
A photo of a Common Square-tailed Drongo photographed in Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge South Africa
Profile picture for Ant de Boer
Ant de Boer
Saturday 16 Sep 2023 - 5:11am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
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Jacqueline Dresner
Saturday 09 Sep 2023 - 8:09am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
🦩
Jacqueline Dresner
Saturday 09 Sep 2023 - 7:10am
South Africa
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