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The Andaman Drongo is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. The species is endemic to the Andaman Islands of the Indian Ocean. There are two subspecies, the nominate race being found across the main islands of the archipelago, and the race dicruriformis occurring on Great Coco Island and Table Island in the north of the chain.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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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. The females have a less pronounced forked tail and are smaller in size compared to the males. Voice: The Andaman drongo exhibits complex vocalizations and song patterns that distinguish it from its close relatives. Ongoing research by Dr. A. Patel and Dr. R. Rajan, as documented in the 'Ornithology Journal,' has unveiled the sophistication of the Andaman drongo's vocal communication, revealing its role in territorial defense and intricate social interactions.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in December · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Velvet-mantled DrongoDicrurus modestusThe velvet-mantled drongo is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae.
BalicassiaoDicrurus balicassiusThe balicassiao is a species of passerine bird in the family Dicruridae.
Crow-billed DrongoDicrurus annectensThis bird, which is similar to the black drongo, is jet-black in color and has a stout bill.
Learn the Andaman Drongo for real
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