Passeriformes / Dicruridae / Dicrurus
Bronzed Drongo
Dicrurus aeneus · 古铜色卷尾
Introduction
A small Indomalayan bird belonging to the drongo group, resident in the forests of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It captures insects flying in the shade of the forest canopy by making aerial sallies from perches. Smaller and more compact than other regional drongos, with distinct fork depth and feather gloss patterns.
Description
Somewhat smaller than the black drongo, with a more metallic gloss and spangled appearance on the head, neck, and breast. Lores are velvety and ear coverts are duller. The tail is slender and well forked, with outer feathers flaring outward slightly. Immatures have white-tipped axillaries. Young birds are duller and brownish with less spangling. Length is 24 cm.
Identification
Distinguished by smaller size, compact build, and specific patterns of gloss compared to other drongos. Key marks include velvety lores, duller ear coverts, and a slender, well-forked tail with slightly flaring outer feathers. Immatures show white-tipped axillaries.
Distribution & Habitat
Found in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of India, lower Himalayas from western Uttaranchal eastwards into Indochina, Hainan, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and northern Borneo. Also present in Taiwan (subspecies braunianus). Exclusively inhabits forested areas, usually moist broadleaved forest. Subspecies malayensis occurs from Selangor south into Sumatra and Borneo.
Behavior & Ecology
Found singly or in groups of two to three. Actively forages for insects under the forest canopy via aerial sallies, often returning to favorite perches. Sometimes joins mixed-species foraging flocks. Capable of mimicking calls of many other bird species. Breeding season is February to July; lays three or four pinkish to brownish eggs in a cup nest covered in cobwebs. Aggressive and fearless, attacking larger species if nest or young are threatened.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Dicruridae
- Genus
- Dicrurus
Vocalizations
Subspecies (3)
-
Dicrurus aeneus aeneus
India to southwestern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Indochina, and the Thai-Malay Peninsula
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
