The white-bellied drongo is a species of drongo found across the Indian Subcontinent. Like other members of the family Dicruridae, they are insectivorous and mainly black in colour, but with a white belly and vent. Young birds are, however, all black and may be confused with the black drongo, which is smaller and more compact in appearance. The subspecies found in Sri Lanka has white restricted to the vent.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Occupies a wide range of lowland and hill country habitats across much of India and Sri Lanka, with local occurrence in Nepal and Bangladesh. It favors open forests, dry and moist deciduous woodland, scrub, plantations, and agricultural edges. Common in village groves, gardens, and along riparian corridors where scattered tall trees provide vantage perches. It generally avoids dense, unbroken evergreen forest interiors but thrives in mosaic landscapes and edge habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-bellied drongo is a bold, agile insect-hunter that often sallies from exposed perches to snatch prey mid-air. Adults show a glossy dark upper body with a contrasting white belly and vent, while juveniles are entirely dark and can be mistaken for the smaller, more compact black drongo. It readily mobs larger birds and may mimic calls of other species.
Nominate subspecies (Sindhrot, Gujarat)
D. c. leucopygialis (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, defending feeding and nesting territories vigorously. During the breeding season it builds a small cup nest in the outer forks of trees, with both sexes involved in care. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges and clearings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied series of sharp metallic notes, whistles, and chattering scolds. Frequently mimics other species’ calls and delivers abrupt alarm-like phrases when agitated.
