The velvet-mantled drongo is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. It is found throughout the Cameroon line and the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central African rainforest belt
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Cameroon line through the Gulf of Guinea forests into the lowland and foothill rainforests of Central Africa. It favors primary and mature secondary evergreen forest, forest edges, and gallery forests. The species hunts mostly in the mid-story and subcanopy, often along gaps, clearings, and forest streams. It tolerates some disturbance and uses secondary growth, but is most common where tall forest remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The velvet-mantled drongo is a forest drongo with a deep black, velvety sheen rather than the mirror-like gloss of some relatives. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is a bold hawker of flying insects, launching from mid-story perches. Like many drongos, it can mimic other birds’ calls and is notably territorial around its nesting sites.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, but frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs defend nesting territories and build a small cup nest high in a fork. They are presumed monogamous, with both adults participating in care and defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of sharp chatters, buzzy whistles, and metallic notes, often delivered from exposed perches. Capable of mimicry, inserting phrases resembling other forest birds into its repertoire.
Plumage
Uniform black with a soft, velvety sheen; less mirror-glossy than some other drongos. Tail is shallowly forked and not excessively long. Feathers can show a subdued bluish or greenish gloss in good light.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as beetles, termites, ants, and moths, caught by sallying from perches. Also gleans from foliage and occasionally snatches prey near lights or clearings. May take small fruits opportunistically, but insects dominate the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in mid-story to subcanopy along forest edges, gaps, and near streams. Frequently follows mixed-species flocks and sometimes hawks above small clearings and tracks within forest.
