Andaman Drongo
Dicrurus andamanensis
A medium-sized, dark drongo with a strong bill and a deeply-forked tail with tips curling outwards. Inhabits forests and forest edges, where it hawks for insects under the canopy. Often found in small groups and will flock with other species as well. Calls include tinkling sounds, metallic whistles, and a variety of short harsh notes.
Identification
The Andaman drongo is 28-29 cm long, although the larger dicruriformis subspecies is 35 cm in length. These birds possess 2-centimeter-long hairy filaments and feathers on each side of the neck. In terms of coloration, the males have black plumage, with the exception of brownish primaries and a black abdomen, flanks, and undertail-coverts. Their entire plumage has green sheen, and their wing-linings have a silvery brown hue with white-tipped axillaries and underwing-coverts.<p>The females have a less pronounced forked tail and are smaller in size compared to the males. Juveniles, in their early stages, display a more square-ended tail, a browner and less glossy appearance than the adults, and a lack of the distinctive frontal filaments. Additionally, they exhibit more prominent white tips on their axillaries and underwing coverts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Dicrurus andamanensis
- Authority
- Beavan, 1867
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Dicruridae
- Genus
- Dicrurus
Range and habitat
The Andaman drongo species found exclusively in the lush tropical forests of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The primary habitat of the Andaman drongo consists of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests that are characterized by canopy trees, a diverse understory, lianas and epiphytic plants. Within these forest habitats, the Andaman drongo primarily occupies the mid to upper canopy levels, where it is known for its acrobatic aerial foraging.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
According to the 2020 report from the Andaman Forest Department, only 10% of the original forest cover remains, emphasizing the urgent need for habitat preservation. Invasive species, particularly the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), have further threatened the Andaman drongo's breeding success, outcompeting them for nesting sites and food resources. They are now classified as a near threatened species. Organizations such as the Andaman Avian Society have partnered with the Andaman Forest Department to establish protected areas and corridors for the species.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Purple-backed Fairywren
Malurus assimilis
A small bird with a very long blue tail that is held cocked. Breeding male has a bright pale-blue helmet, black breast, purple back, and chestnut shoulders. Small pale tips are sometimes visible on the tail. Over much of the species’s inland range, females are overall grayish birds with pale fronts and long blue tails; however, females of the subspecies found in the sandstone regions of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land have contrasting blue crowns and backs. This species occurs over much of arid inland Australia and is found in open vegetation.
Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush
Pterorhinus pectoralis
A large, long-tailed, thrushlike bird of dense forests. Note its black necklace, streaked white cheek patch, and pale band near the tip of the tail. Very similar to Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrush; note dark eye and ‘contained’ (completely encircled) cheek patch. Shy and difficult to see well. Usually found in small flocks in wet lowland and hill forest, often near streams. Song is a series of loud whistles, not as long or varied as that of Hwamei. Native to East and Southeast Asia; introduced to the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Dusky Fulvetta
Schoeniparus brunneus
A small dark brown bird of the shaded understory and forest floor, found hilly forests. Brown overall; gray face is marked with a thin, curving black eyebrow and a weaker black moustachial stripe, though these marks are often hard to discern in the darkness of the thick growth in which it likes to forage. Song is a short but melodic warble; various calls, including a low churring note and a quick “whee-chuck.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.