- Surniculus lugubris
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.
Juvenile is slightly browner and has white spots on body and coverts.
Distribution
Asia: found in the Indian sub-continent, through south-east Asia to the Greater Sundas and Bali.
Taxonomy
Subspecies
Clements recognizes two subspecies[1]:
- S. d. barussarum from the Himalayas from Kashmir east to northeastern India and Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand south through the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, and Palawan
- S. d. lugubris in Java and Bali
The IOC List however includes barussarum in Fork-tailed Drongo and includes stewarti in this species. Furthermore it splits the subspecies brachyurus from the nominate.
This species was formerly included in Asian Drongo-Cuckoo.
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 and Olive-winged Bulbul.
Very vocal.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 4 June 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Square-tailed_Drongo-Cuckoo