Sparkles and Whiskers
A drongo drops by
Despite the rain and wind, this Spangled Drongo paused long enough for a few quick photos through the office window. I have a soft spot for these pirates who decoy their victims with alarm calls and then steal their food.
Thirty species of drongos (Dicruridae) are found from Africa through Asia to Australia. Most are black birds with a shimmering patina, a long tail and bright red eyes. Some species jazz up the basic black with a crest, extended tail feathers or both. At least one has a splash of white to break up that not at all basic black.
Australia is home to one species — the Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus) — which is found across the north and down the east coast. Beyond Australia, it occurs in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea and extends as far west as North Maluku and the Banda Islands. During winter, some Australian populations migrate north across the Timor Sea and Torres Strait, returning in October and November.
