The crow-billed drongo is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. It is native to moist tropical forests of southeastern Asia where its range extends from India to the Philippines and Indonesia. It is a completely black bird with a shallowly forked tail and is similar in appearance to the black drongo. It breeds between April and June, the cup-shaped nest being built in the fork of a branch by both birds, the female afterwards incubating the eggs. It is a common bird and the IUCN has listed it as "least concern".
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Indian subcontinent east through Myanmar and mainland Southeast Asia to the Greater Sundas and the Philippines. It is most often found in moist tropical forests, including evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, forest edges, and mature secondary growth. The species also uses bamboo thickets, wooded riparian corridors, and plantations adjacent to forest. It typically keeps to the mid- and upper canopy but will descend to lower levels along edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The crow-billed drongo is noted for its heavy, crow-like bill and glossy black plumage. Like many drongos, it is a bold mimic, weaving copied calls of other birds into its own repertoire and aggressively mobbing larger predators. It often forages by sallying from prominent perches in the mid to upper canopy.
Temperament
assertive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the forest canopy. The species breeds mainly from April to June; both adults build a neat cup nest in a fork, and the female incubates while the male assists with provisioning. Adults are known to mob raptors and other intruders and use high, exposed perches to watch for prey.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include rich whistles, metallic notes, and harsh scolds interspersed with skilled mimicry of other forest birds. Calls are loud and far-carrying, especially at dawn and dusk.
