The Palawan drongo is an Asian bird of the family Dicruridae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the hair-crested drongo. It is endemic to Palawan. It was formerly conspecific with the Hair-crested drongo but was designated as unique based on its different sounding call, physical differences and through molecular studies.
Region
Palawan Archipelago
Typical Environment
Restricted to the island of Palawan and nearby islets in the western Philippines. It frequents primary and secondary lowland evergreen forests, forest edges, riparian corridors, and wooded plantations. The species adapts well to semi-open habitats with scattered tall trees for perching and sallying. It can occur near villages where forest persists but remains most common in lightly disturbed woodland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formerly lumped with the Hair-crested Drongo, it is now treated as a distinct species based on vocal, morphological, and genetic differences. It is a bold, agile aerial hunter that often joins mixed-species flocks and will mob much larger predators. Like many drongos, it is a capable mimic and has a varied repertoire of sharp, metallic calls.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species foraging flocks. Both sexes defend a territory and are known to aggressively mob larger birds. Nests are shallow cup structures placed high in trees, with both parents participating in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of sharp metallic notes, whistles, and buzzes delivered from exposed perches. Frequently incorporates mimicry of other forest birds and alarm calls.
Plumage
Glossy black with a metallic blue-green sheen; slightly shaggy, hair-like feathers on the nape and crest. Tail is deeply forked with elongated outer feathers that curve slightly outward.
Diet
Primarily feeds on flying insects such as beetles, moths, wasps, and dragonflies, which it hawks from prominent perches. Also gleans from foliage and occasionally snatches prey from trunks and branches. May take small lizards or frogs opportunistically and will sometimes consume fruit when insects are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and canopy gaps where aerial sallies are efficient. Often uses dead snags, high branches, or wires as lookout perches near forested areas.
