- Surniculus dicruroides
Identification
25cm.
Overall glossy black.Small white nuchal patch and white thighs are difficult to observe in the field.
From Drongos by thinner slightly down curved beak, forked tail (slightly) with white barrings on vent and under tail coverts.
Distribution
Found on the Indian Subcontinent including Sri Lanka.
Northern populations are migratory.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies recognized:
This species was formerly included in Asian Drongo-Cuckoo. The subspecies barussarum of Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo was formerly placed in this species.
Habitat
Forest and forest edges.
Behaviour
Keeps to the canopy and the crown of tall trees. Does not chase insects from a open perch in the manner of drongos.
A known brood parasite of Striped Tit-Babbler.
Very vocal.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2017. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2017, with updates to August 2017. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Fork-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 11 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Fork-tailed_Drongo-Cuckoo
