Black Drongo: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Birds of Asia, Africa and Australia · day 5 of 7

Five facts

1. Only 28 cm long, this glossy black bird fearlessly chases crows and even birds of prey from its nest area. That earned it the name king crow.
2. Other birds like to nest close to a drongo, safe from predators. In one study, 18 of 40 drongo nests had bulbuls nesting within 10 m.
3. When a field is ploughed, drongos flock in to snap up the caterpillars and grubs turned up. As many as 35 have been seen at once.
4. Drongos have been seen dropping a leaf and catching it again in mid-air. This game may help young birds learn their flying tricks.
5. Farmers welcome this insect hunter: they put up perches in their fields so drongos will come and eat the pests.

The quiz

1. Which old nickname did the black drongo earn by attacking big birds?

• Sky snake
• Little owl
• King crow (correct)
• Grey ghost

Its fearless attacks on crows and raptors led to the name king crow.

2. In one study, how many of 40 drongo nests had bulbuls nesting within 10 m?

• 18 (correct)
• None
• All 40
• Just 1

In that study, 18 of the 40 nests had bulbuls as close neighbours.

3. What draws a crowd of black drongos to a field?

• Snow on the ground
• Quiet fields where nothing moves
• Cold, frosty mornings
• Ploughing that turns up insects (correct)

They gather at ploughed fields to pick up the exposed caterpillars and grubs.

4. What game have black drongos been seen playing?

• Rolling pebbles down hills
• Dropping a leaf and catching it in mid-air (correct)
• Sliding down wet branches
• Juggling seeds with their feet

They drop a leaf and catch it in mid-air, which may train young fliers.

5. Why do some farmers put perches in their fields?

• To catch drongos as pets
• To keep drongos off the crops
• To invite drongos to eat pest insects (correct)
• To give chickens a place to sleep

Farmers attract drongos with perches so they feed on pest insects.

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