The square-tailed drongo, formerly the common square-tailed drongo, is a passerine bird in the family Dicruridae. It is a common resident breeder in parts of southern Africa.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen and riverine forests, coastal lowland forests, and well-wooded valleys, especially along the southeastern African coast and adjacent uplands. Prefers forest interiors and edges, but also uses secondary growth, plantations, and large treed gardens near natural woodland. Often found along streams and in canopy gaps where aerial insects are abundant. It is generally a resident throughout its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The square-tailed drongo is a glossy black forest drongo with a distinctly square-ended tail, unlike the deeply forked tail of its common savanna relative. It is bold and assertive, frequently mobbing larger birds of prey. Like many drongos, it is an agile aerial hunter and a capable mimic, incorporating the calls of other species into its own repertoire.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies; occasional brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Monogamous pairs build a neat cup nest high in a tree fork and defend territories vigorously. Often joins mixed-species foraging parties and will mob larger birds to drive them away.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Varied whistles, chattering phrases, and harsh notes delivered from exposed perches. Frequently includes mimicry of other forest birds and alarm calls. Calls are clear, ringing, and repeated in short sequences.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black with a metallic blue-green sheen; feathers smooth and sleek.
Diet
Feeds mainly on flying insects such as beetles, moths, wasps, and termites, which it captures on the wing after sallying from a perch. Also gleans caterpillars and other invertebrates from foliage and bark. Occasionally takes small fruits or other small animal prey when available.
Preferred Environment
Hunts from mid-story to canopy edges, often along forest margins, clearings, and over streams where aerial insects concentrate. Frequently uses prominent perches for repeated sallies and may forage around forested gardens and plantations.
