The shining drongo is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs in the lowland tropical rainforest belt from West Africa into western Central Africa, favoring primary and mature secondary forests. It uses forest edges, light gaps, and clearings as hunting arenas while retreating to shaded interior perches. Common along forest streams and in gallery forests. It is generally absent from open savanna and heavily degraded farmland.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A glossy black drongo of the African rainforest, it often joins mixed-species flocks and sallies out from shaded perches to snatch flying insects. Like many drongos, it is a skilled mimic and can incorporate other birds’ calls into its repertoire. Its tail is shorter and less deeply forked than that of several other drongos, giving it a more squared look.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes accompanying mixed-species flocks through the midstory. Nests are small, open cups placed on high branches; both parents guard the territory and feed the young. Displays assertive mobbing behavior toward larger birds and predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of sharp metallic notes, whistles, and chatters delivered from a perch. Frequently includes mimicry of other forest birds and alarm calls.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black with a blue-green sheen, sleek feathers and slight iridescence in good light.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and winged ants, captured by sallying from exposed perches. Also gleans arthropods from foliage and occasionally hawks low over clearings. May take small amounts of fruit opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest midstory and along edges, especially near gaps, trails, and streams where insects are abundant. Often uses shaded perches with good sightlines for aerial pursuits.
