The Sulawesi drongo is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. It is endemic to Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Wallacea (Sulawesi and nearby satellite islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Sulawesi’s primary and secondary moist forests, from lowland dipterocarp to lower montane zones. It uses forest interiors, edges, and natural gaps, frequently perching in the midstory or canopy to hunt flying insects. It tolerates lightly disturbed and selectively logged habitats better than heavily cleared areas. Presence is strongest where continuous forest cover remains, including foothills and ridgelines.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to Sulawesi, this drongo is a bold, agile aerial insect-hunter that often sallies from exposed perches in the midstory and canopy. It readily joins mixed-species flocks and can be quite vocal, delivering sharp scolds and whistles. Its glossy black plumage and slightly forked tail make it stand out in shaded forest interiors. It adapts to selectively logged forests but depends on maintaining substantial tree cover.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups. Frequently associates with mixed-species flocks, acting as an active aerial predator around canopy gaps. Builds a small cup nest on horizontal branches, with both parents involved in care. Defends nesting territories vigorously against intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes sharp scolds, buzzy trills, and clear whistles, often delivered from exposed perches. Calls are varied and repetitive, with abrupt phrases used in alarm or territorial displays.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black with a bluish sheen, smooth-textured body feathers and subtle iridescence in good light.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as beetles, flies, and moths on the wing. Also gleans from foliage and trunks when prey is detected. Occasionally takes small arthropods from the ground or snatches small vertebrates and some soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in midstory to upper canopy, especially along edges, gaps, and above trails or streams where insect traffic is high. Uses exposed perches to launch short, precise sallies before returning to the same or nearby perch.
