The Mimicry artist

In last post, we got introduced to Drongos. In this post I will introduce you to their amazing mimicking ability. These amazing birds mimic other species and gather almost quarter of their daily food by mimicking other species. It was observed that these birds make false alarms so that other animals drop their kill and run which gives a window for these birds to swoop in. One of the study claims to have observed them making almost 51 different calls or various species.

You can watch one of such observations here

Drongos are insectivorous birds which are usually found in open forests or bush. Most of them are black or dark grey  and some with metallic tints. They have long forked tails which is more significant in Asian species. 

Drongo is slang for idiot in Australia probably referring to the behavior of only kind of drongo found there i.e. Spangled drongo.

Some of the Drongos you see in India

Black Drongos:

Black Drongo                  Source: Wikipedia

 Glossy black bird with deeply forked tail. Found in open decidous forest and cultivation. Known for their mobbing and driving away predators which makes other species to nest near their nests.

Greater Racket tailed Drongo:

Greater Racket tailed Drongo    Source: Wikipedia

Characteristic long tail, Glossy black drongo with tufted forehead and two long wire like spatula tipped 'streamers' in the tail. Found in deciduous and evergreen forest, bamboo jungle in India, Srilanka

Other kinds of drongos found in India are Ashy drongo, White Bellied drongo, Bronzed drongo, Crow billed drongo, Spangled drongo. They vary mainly in size and found across in various regions.

In the next post we will talk about Weaver birds and their nesting behavior.

Weaver bird along with its nest         Source: Wikipedia