The spangled drongo is a bird of the family Dicruridae. It is the only drongo to be found in Australia, where it can be recognised by its black, iridescent plumage and its characteristic forked tail. It feeds on insects and small vertebrates. It has complex and varied calls and is a mimic of the sounds it hears. It arrives in Queensland in late spring and breeds high in an isolated tree, producing three to five young each year.
Region
Australasia and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern Indonesia and the Moluccas through Papua New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago to northern and eastern Australia, reaching as far south as New South Wales. Prefers open eucalypt woodlands, rainforest edges, mangroves, and urban parks and gardens. Often found near watercourses and in disturbed habitats that provide open airspace for aerial foraging. Uses prominent perches to launch sallies and may follow mixed-species flocks or human activity that flushes insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Australia’s only drongo, it is instantly recognized by its glossy black plumage, red eye, and deeply forked, fish‑tailed silhouette. A bold mimic, it incorporates other birds, mammals, and even mechanical sounds into its repertoire. It is a skilled aerial hunter that often sallies from exposed perches and will fearlessly mob larger birds of prey.
A nest of vine tendrils
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
agile with short rapid wingbeats; frequent sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during breeding, becoming more gregarious outside the breeding season. Builds an open cup nest high in an isolated tree; clutches usually contain three to five eggs. Adults aggressively mob intruders, including raptors, near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Highly varied and musical with rich whistles, metallic clinks, and harsh chacks interspersed with skilled mimicry. Phrases are delivered in irregular sequences and can change rapidly depending on context.
Plumage
Glossy, iridescent black with subtle spangled sheen on the body; feathers can show greenish-blue highlights in good light.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as beetles, wasps, dragonflies, and moths, caught on the wing. Also takes insects from foliage and bark and occasionally consumes small vertebrates like lizards or small frogs. Will opportunistically exploit swarms and may snatch food flushed by other animals or human activity.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, riparian corridors, and mangroves where open airspace allows aerial hawking. Often uses high, exposed perches such as dead branches, wires, or treetops to scan and launch pursuits.
