Dicruridae - Drongos

There are 28 species of birds in the Dicruridae family. They are found across Africa, southern Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and many islands in the western Pacific.

Drongos are 7–25 inches (17.8–63.5 cm) long. Most are glossy black or dark gray with a green, blue, or purplish sheen to their feathers. Some species have small crests. They have strong, slightly hooked bills surrounded by stiff bristles that help them catch insects, long forked tails, and short legs.

Some species, such as the greater Racket-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus), have long, ribbon-like tail feathers with racket-shaped tips. Males and females usually look alike.

Drongos are skilled fliers that catch insects in midair, often darting out from a perch to snatch their prey before returning to the same spot. They also eat spiders, small reptiles, nectar, and fruit.

These bold, intelligent birds are known for chasing away much larger birds to defend their nests, and many species are excellent mimics that can imitate the calls of other birds and even some mammals.

Did You Know?

The Fork-tailed Drongo is one of the species in this family of birds.
The Fork-tailed Drongo is one of the species in this family of birds.

World Status Key

Status and range is taken from IUCN Redlist

Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct
Not Enough Data

U.S. Status Key

Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife

Threatened in US
Endangered in US
Introduced

NH Status Key

Status taken from NH Fish and Game

Threatened in NH
Endangered in NH
Breeds in NH (birds)

Location Key

Africa
Asia
Australia/Oceania
Europe
North/Central America
south america alt
South America

New Hampshire Species

No animals found.

Other Species Around the World

No animals found.

Support for NatureWorks is provided by: