The bronzed drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) is a small Indomalayan bird belonging to the drongo group. They are resident in the forests of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They capture insects flying in the shade of the forest canopy by making aerial sallies from their perches. They are very similar to the other drongos of the region but are somewhat smaller and compact with differences in the fork depth and the patterns of gloss on their feathers.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found in moist broadleaf forests, forest edges, and clearings across the Indian Subcontinent and much of mainland Southeast Asia. It prefers the shaded mid-canopy and interior of woodlands, often near streams and gullies. The species tolerates selectively logged forests and secondary growth but is less common in open farmland. It is often encountered in hilly foothill forests and along forested roads and trails.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This glossy, compact drongo is a specialist aerial insect hunter, often sallying from shaded perches beneath the forest canopy. It frequently joins mixed-species flocks and boldly mobs predators many times its size. Like other drongos, it can mimic the calls of other birds, which may help in communication and distraction.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, it often associates with mixed-species foraging flocks in forests. Pairs defend territories and may aggressively mob larger birds, including raptors. The cup nest is placed on a horizontal fork high in a tree; both parents participate in rearing the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp metallic notes, buzzy scolds, and fluty whistles delivered from shaded perches. It can imitate other birds’ calls, interspersing mimicry with its own harsh alarm notes.
