Hair-Crested Drongo
Dicrurus hottentottus
Aves › Passeriformes › Dicruridae › Dicrurus
Conservation status: least_concern
The hair-crested drongo is an Asian bird of the family Dicruridae. This species was formerly considered conspecific with Dicrurus bracteatus, for which the name "spangled drongo" – formerly used for both – is now usually reserved. Some authorities include the Sumatran drongo in D. hottentottus as subspecies.
How To Identify
This medium-sized drongo is generally slate-grey to black across its body. Its most distinguishing feature is a conspicuous crest of fine, erected feathers that gives it its common name.
Habitat
It typically inhabits open woodlands, savanna, and gardens across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Behaviour
This drongo is an accomplished aerial insectivore that performs acrobatic flights to catch insects mid-air, often calling loudly with characteristic metallic and harsh vocalizations.
Native Range
The hair-crested drongo is native to Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan through Indochina to China, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Did You Know?
The specific name comes from "Hottentot," a term formerly used for the Khoikhoi, a nomadic pastoral people of southwest Africa.
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