The fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo is a species of cuckoo that resembles the Black drongo. It is found mainly in hill forests in peninsular India and Sri Lanka although some specimens are known from the Himalayan foothills. It can be identified by its metallic black plumage, straight beak, white barred vent, forked tail and white spot on the back of the head. The fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo's song has been described as a series of 5 or 6 whistling "pip-pip-pip-pip-pip-" notes rising in pitch with each "pip". They are also known for their drongo-like calls such as "quip" calls in flight and "wheep-wheep" call with a higher second note. In Sri Lanka, the fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo also has similar calls to the Sri Lanka Drongo.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Primarily occurs in hill and foothill forests of peninsular India and Sri Lanka, with records extending into the Himalayan foothills. It favors evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, as well as well-wooded plantations and forest edges. Birds typically use mid-story to subcanopy strata, perching in shaded interiors and along clearings. It is most often detected by voice rather than seen, given its dark plumage and preference for dense cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A brood-parasitic cuckoo, it lays eggs in the nests of smaller passerines and leaves the hosts to raise its young. Its glossy black, drongo-like appearance and forked tail are thought to provide mimicry benefits, letting it approach potential hosts and foraging flocks with less harassment. It often forages by sallying after insects from shaded perches in forest mid-canopy.
Fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo
Temperament
secretive and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs, often associating loosely with mixed-species flocks while foraging. As a brood parasite, it does not build its own nest and instead lays eggs in the nests of smaller passerines. Breeding coincides with regional wet seasons when host activity and insect prey are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of 5–6 clear, whistled pip notes that rise in pitch, often rendered as pip-pip-pip-pip-pip. Also gives drongo-like calls, including sharp 'quip' notes in flight and a 'wheep-wheep' with the second note higher.
Plumage
Glossy metallic black overall with a slightly forked tail and fine white barring on the vent and undertail coverts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as caterpillars, moths, beetles, and other arthropods. It often hawks prey on short sallies from shaded perches and also gleans from foliage. Soft-bodied prey are swallowed whole; larger items may be beaten against a perch. It rarely takes fruit.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and subcanopy of forest interiors, edges, and wooded ravines. Common around clearings, trails, and along streams where insect activity is high.
