Sharpe's drongo is a species of drongo found in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is distributed from southern South Sudan and western Kenya to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Nigeria east of the Niger River and south of the Benue River.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern South Sudan and western Kenya west through the Democratic Republic of the Congo to southeastern Nigeria (east of the Niger River and south of the Benue River), also in adjacent Central African countries. It favors lowland and submontane evergreen forest, gallery forests along rivers, and mature secondary woodland. Common along forest edges, clearings, and selectively logged tracts where tall perches are available. It may also utilize agroforestry landscapes and plantations near intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Sharpe's drongo is a glossy black forest drongo with a square-cut tail and striking red eyes. It often perches prominently and makes swift sallies to catch flying insects, fearlessly mobbing much larger birds that approach its territory. It is frequently confused with other African drongos, but its range in central tropical forests and its square-ended tail are helpful clues.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies from high perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs holding territories in forest and along edges. Breeding pairs build a small cup nest in a fork high in a tree and aggressively defend the area from intruders. They may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges outside of the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp metallic chacks, buzzy trills, and clear whistles. The repertoire is varied and often delivered from an exposed perch, with scolding calls during territorial disputes.
