Wallacean Drongo
Dicrurus densus
A large red-eyed, glossy-black bird with a heavy bill and diagnostic tail shape. Tail is fanned at the tip and shallowly forked, the outer tail feathers often broad-tipped and slightly upturned. Juvenile has brown eyes. Singles, pairs, or groups can be found in varied habitats from sea level to foothills, including mangroves, forests, woodlands, and plantations, typically perching high. The only drongo in its range, this species can be told from crows by its red eyes and its tail shape. A noisy, vocal bird with highly varied calls, including metallic fluty notes, guttural “grrt” notes, and upslurred “weeeet” whistles.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Dicrurus densus
- Authority
- Bonaparte, 1850
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Dicruridae
- Genus
- Dicrurus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
The Wallacean drongo has a very large range and does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion. Its extent of occurrence is greater than 20,000 km2. The population trend is not known but it is not believed to be declining sufficiently rapidly, and the population size is believed to be large enough for it to not qualify as Vulnerable using the population size criterion. For these reasons the species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Slate-crowned Antpitta
Grallaricula nana
Small and fairly bright antpitta found in subtropics from Venezuela to extreme northern Peru. Typical antpitta shape, but smaller: plump and short-tailed with long legs. Warm tawny below and duller brown above with contrasting gray crown. Messy buffy face and eyering. Breast usually looks somewhat scalloped. Sexes similar. Shy and difficult to see; stays on or near the ground in montane forest, usually within bamboo thickets. More arboreal than the larger antpittas; often seen perched several feet off the ground. Listen for song, a descending series of high-pitched whistles “pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi.” Disjunct population on tepuis of Venezuela and Guyana possibly a separate species.
Sanford's Sea-Eagle
Icthyophaga sanfordi
A large, dark russet-colored eagle with a much paler creamy-white head, a distinctive dark eye-line, and a massive bill. In flight, very broad wings and diamond-shaped tail are obvious. Found from sea level to 1500 meters of elevation, preferring coastal areas. Most similar to juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle, but Sanford’s is more uniformly rufous, with the combination of a pale head and dark tail being diagnostic. Voice described as a high-pitched, honking “ya-ya-ya…”
House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Widespread and abundant in cities, neighborhoods and farms. Avoids dense woods. Flocks cluster in dense bushes, bustling around and chattering to one another. Males have smart black bibs, bright rufous napes, and stunningly patterned wings with brilliant buffs and browns. Underparts are pale pearly-gray. Females are plain brown with cute face and lighter eyebrow. Native to Eurasia; introduced to much of the rest of the world.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.