Greater Racket-tailed Drongo: Facts, Calls, Habitat

Infographic Published : Oct 20, 2022 Updated : Oct 27, 2022
All you need to know about this large black drongo known for its mimicry
All you need to know about this large black drongo known for its mimicry


What do greater racket-tailed drongos eat?

Greater racket-tailed drongos are largely insectivorous, but they also eat small-sized vertebrates and nectar on occasion.

What do greater racket-tailed drongos sound like?

Greater racket-tailed drongos are well known for there excellent mimicry of a wide range of birds , ranging from birds of prey to babblers. They also possess highly diverse vocalisations and often engage in duets. They are also known to mimic animal calls and even man-made sounds. These birds also sometimes use false alarm calls to steal catch from other birds.

How do you identify the racket-tailed drongo?

A large black drongo with prominant reddish-brown eyes and a distinctive notched tail with two long racket-like streamers at the end. They also have a backward-curving crest on the forehead.

About the contributors

Nisarg Prakash

Nisarg Prakash

is a wildlife biologist working with Roundglass Sustain. A large part of my work before Sustain has been along streams and rivers, in the process trying to understand otters better

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Diviya Mehra

Diviya Mehra

is a graphic designer. She was the former art director of National Geographic Traveller. Her love for animals, travel and design has shaped her career through the years.
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