The balicassiao is a species of passerine bird in the family Dicruridae. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the Philippines, especially on Luzon, Mindoro, and many Visayan islands. It inhabits tropical moist lowland forests and edges, secondary growth, and wooded plantations. The species favors mid-canopy perches from which it sallies for flying insects, and it tolerates moderately disturbed habitats so long as trees remain. It is typically absent from treeless open country but can persist along riparian corridors and forested ravines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The balicassiao is a Philippine drongo known for its glossy black plumage and agile, sallying flights as it snaps insects from the air. It often joins mixed-species flocks and will boldly mob much larger predators. Its Tagalog-derived name is widely used across the archipelago. Like other drongos, it perches conspicuously and returns repeatedly to favored lookout branches.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but frequently associates with mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Strongly territorial around feeding perches and nest sites and will mob larger birds. Nests are neat cup structures placed high in trees; both sexes participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes sharp chacks, rattles, and clear whistles delivered from exposed perches. Calls can be loud and scolding when alarmed, and sequences often vary in pace and pitch.
Plumage
Glossy black with a bluish sheen; feathers smooth and sleek with a shallowly forked tail typical of drongos.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as beetles, moths, wasps, dragonflies, and termites. Also gleans from foliage and occasionally takes small vertebrates or nectar when available. Foraging is mainly by sit-and-wait from a favored perch followed by quick aerial sallies.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and gaps within lowland evergreen forest. Readily uses secondary growth, plantations, and wooded gardens where tall perches are available.
