Drongo de Andamán

Identificación

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.

Taxonomía

Nombre científico

Dicrurus andamanensis

Autoridad

Beavan, 1867

Orden

Passeriformes

Familia

Dicruridae

Género

Dicrurus

Distribución y hábitat

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.

Migración

Resident species

Conservación

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.

Tendencia poblacional

declining