Species of the Month: The Black Drongo

Common Name: Black Drongo

Scientific Name: Dicrurus macrocercus

IUCN Red List: Least Concern

CITES: Not Listed

Wildlife Protection Act of India (1972): Schedule II

Population trend: Unknown

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a fearless, passerine bird found in the Gadoli and Manda Khal Fee Simple Estates.

It is easily recognized by its black plumage and forked tail and due to its aggressive behaviour towards larger birds are also sometimes called the King Crow.

It frequently chases away larger birds and is also known to mimic other species of birds. They are voracious feeders on insects specially grasshoppers and winged termites.

It is found upto heights of 5140 meters and is quite widespread throughout the Indian sub – continent including the Western Himalayan Endemic Bird Area within which the Gadoli and Manda Khal Fee Simple Estates are located.

Black Drongoes are often seen in open countryside and grasslands so seeing them in the oak forests of Gadoli and Manda Khal was a neat surprise.

They breed from around February upto August in most parts of the country, laying about 3 – 4 eggs in a cup – shaped nest placed on forks in the branches of trees.

Due to their nature of driving away predators from near their nests other species of birds find this behaviour helpful and secure and are often also found nesting in the vicinity.

Conservation Action: The Gadoli and Manda Khal Wildlife Conservation Trust is working actively on-ground to protect coniferous and broadleaved habitats on these estates. Foot-patrols to curb illicit tree felling, lopping and illegal cutting of natural regeneration are conducted regularly to secure habitat for the species.

Sources:

IUCN Red List

CITES

WLPA(1972)