Alternative names: Sri Lanka Crested Drongo; Ceylon Crested Drongo
- Dicrurus lophorinus
Identification
- Black plumage with metallic blue or greenish-blue gloss
- Arching, helmet-like crest
- Deeply forked tail
- Red eye
Sexes similar.
Similar species
Similar to Greater Racket-tailed Drongo but with short rounded nasal crest and much more deeply forked tail without bare shafts or rackets.
Distribution
Western Sri Lanka.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Previously regarded as conspecific with Greater Racket-tailed Drongo D. paradiseus; In the past hybrids were reported from the border between the wet and the dry zone of the island. However interbreeding is now impossible as suitable habitat has been destroyed and the two forms are now completely separated.
Habitat
Forest , forest edges, plantations, wooded gardens.
Behaviour
Diet
Like most drongos, hawks after insects from open perches.
Vocalisation
A superb mimic of the calls of other birds but always has a metallic sound.
References
- Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507
- Rasmussen, PC and JC Anderton. 2005. Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334672
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Sri Lanka Drongo. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 3 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Sri_Lanka_Drongo
