Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus baileyi) - 20221002-02
All-black songbird with decurved bill and long, cleft tail that curves up at the end. Adult has bright red eye, young birds dark-eyed. Plumage shows metallic iridescence in optimal light. Metallic Starling has finer bill, tapered tail. Inhabits great variety of habitats, where it chases insects mercilessly. Perches prominently, delivering harsh, squawking calls, often mimicking other species such as butcherbirds and kingfishers. (eBird)
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We saw this bird on our first day in Darwin as we walked around the park opposite our hotel. We'd seen drongoes in India, so this was a reasonably easy id.
Bicentennial Park, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. October 2022.
Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus baileyi) - 20221002-02
All-black songbird with decurved bill and long, cleft tail that curves up at the end. Adult has bright red eye, young birds dark-eyed. Plumage shows metallic iridescence in optimal light. Metallic Starling has finer bill, tapered tail. Inhabits great variety of habitats, where it chases insects mercilessly. Perches prominently, delivering harsh, squawking calls, often mimicking other species such as butcherbirds and kingfishers. (eBird)
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We saw this bird on our first day in Darwin as we walked around the park opposite our hotel. We'd seen drongoes in India, so this was a reasonably easy id.
Bicentennial Park, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. October 2022.