The Tablas drongo is an Asian bird of the family Dicruridae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the hair-crested drongo.
Region
Central Philippines (Romblon Islands)
Typical Environment
Restricted to remaining tracts of primary and older secondary lowland forest on Tablas Island, with occasional use of forest edges and clearings with tall trees. It favors midstory to canopy perches from which it sallies for flying insects. Occurrences are now highly fragmented due to logging and agricultural conversion. It may persist along ridgelines and riparian forest where cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tablas drongo is a glossy black drongo endemic to Tablas Island in the Philippines and belongs to the family Dicruridae. It was formerly lumped with the hair-crested drongo but differs in voice and subtle plumage and tail features. Like many drongos, it is an agile aerial insect hunter and a capable mimic. Severe deforestation on Tablas has left it highly localized and rare.
Temperament
territorial but alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when it defends territories. It nests high in trees, placing a small cup nest on an exposed branch. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks to exploit insect swarms.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp scolds, whistles, and varied notes, often delivered from a mid-canopy perch. It can mimic other forest birds, interspersing mimicry with its own harsh, metallic calls.
