The Sri Lanka drongo or Ceylon crested drongo, is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka. It was previously considered a subspecies of the greater racket-tailed drongo. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland and montane forests.
Region
South Asia (Sri Lanka)
Typical Environment
It occupies primary and mature secondary lowland rainforests of Sri Lanka’s wet zone, extending into submontane and montane forest. Birds favor tall, closed-canopy forest but also use forest edges, riparian corridors, and shaded plantations near intact woodland. They perch conspicuously in mid to upper canopy and sally for prey in gaps and along trails. While most common in protected forest, they may venture into well-wooded gardens adjacent to native habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sri Lanka drongo is a glossy black, crested drongo found only in Sri Lanka’s wet-zone forests. It is a noted mimic, weaving calls of other birds into its own varied repertoire and often acting as a sentinel in mixed-species flocks. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the greater racket-tailed drongo, it is now recognized as a distinct species. It is bold and territorial, frequently mobbing larger predators.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Often forms the nucleus of mixed-species foraging flocks, giving alarm calls that alert other birds. Typically seen in pairs or small family groups during the breeding season, defending a territory. Nests are open cups placed on exposed branches high in the canopy; both adults contribute to care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied, musical series of whistles, chattering notes, and harsh scolds. Skilled mimicry is common, with phrases borrowed from other forest birds woven into complex sequences.
Plumage
Glossy black with a metallic blue-green sheen; feathers sleek with a slight crest giving a shaggy, raised look on the crown.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as beetles, moths, flies, and dragonflies, captured in aerial sallies from exposed perches. It also takes caterpillars and other arthropods from foliage and occasionally snatches small vertebrates. Fruit may be eaten opportunistically, especially when insect prey is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid to upper canopy, exploiting sunlit gaps, edges, and along forest trails. Uses high perches for hawking flights and will follow mixed flocks to capitalize on disturbed prey.
