Velvet-mantled Drongo
Dicrurus modestus
Large drongo with a strongly forked tail. Found in forest, usually in the canopy or on prominent open perches. Often in pairs. Song is an explosive and highly variable mix of whistles, squeals, and rasps. Very similar to Fork-tailed Drongo, but found in forest rather than savanna habitats, the black back is not glossy and contrasts with the glossy wing, and the tail is more deeply forked. Also similar to Shining Drongo, but has a strongly forked tail and less glossy plumage, and is found in the canopy rather than the mid-story.
Identification
The velvet-mantled drongo (Dicrurus modestus) is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. It is found throughout the Cameroon line and the African tropical rainforest.
Taxonomy
Genus: Dicrurus; Family: Dicruridae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Dicrurus modestus
- Authority
- Hartlaub, 1849
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Dicruridae
- Genus
- Dicrurus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rusty-backed Antwren
Formicivora rufa
Small antbird with a long tail. Found in savanna and grasslands with sparse trees and shrubs. Males are richly rufous above and black below with brownish flanks and a white eyebrow, while females have streaking on the face and breast. The song is a long rattle.
Rufous-fronted Parakeet
Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons
Plump parakeet found only at very high elevations in Colombia’s central Andes, where it is quite scarce. Plumage is nearly all green; the tiny patches of orange on its face and chin are only evident when the bird is seen well. Encountered in small flocks that feed in grassy and scrubby areas near tree line, including páramo and overgrown pastures. Gives soft, muted squawks in flight. Roosts and nests on cliffs.
Spot-breasted Scimitar-Babbler
Erythrogenys mcclellandi
Pale-eyed babbler with a decurved bill. Note rusty-orange face, white underparts, lightly spotted breast, and brown flanks. The closely related Black-streaked Scimitar-Babbler and Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler are very similar; note Spot-breasted’s weaker breast patterning and duller flanks. Often gives a far-carrying “brIH-duh!”, frequently in duets.
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