Andaman Drongo vs Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo

Andaman Drongo

Dicrurus andamanensis

Small50 gForest

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Кирилл · CC BY 4.0

Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo

Dicrurus remifer

Small43 gForest

The drongo is about 25–27.5 cm long, excluding outermost tail feathers (c. 30–40 cm to end of tail); average weight of males is between 39–49 grams while females are between 35.5–44 grams. Its feathers are black with a bluish metallic gloss. The ends of its tail have long shafts more than 50 centimetres (20 in). It can be confused with the greater racket-tailed drongo, but the former doesn't have a crest on its head and its tail is square cut.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Ben Costamagna · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Andaman Drongo and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo.