MyKrugerHoliday
Photo: Stolz, Gary · Public domain · source ↗
Square-tailed Drongo
Kleinbyvanger · Dicrurus ludwigii
A smaller, forest-loving relative of the common Fork-tailed Drongo, glossy black with a red eye and only a slightly notched tail. It hunts insects from a shaded perch within thick riverine bush rather than the open woodland the Fork-tailed prefers. A gifted vocal mimic, it strings together imitations of many other birds.
Log your Square-tailed Drongo sighting — free →How to identify it
Smaller than Fork-tailed Drongo with only a shallow notch, not a deep fishtail, and a red eye; keeps to forest shade.
Listen for its call
Harsh churrs and squeaks plus mimicry, from shady forest edges.
Where to see it in Kruger
Resident in riverine forest and dense thickets, especially along the southern rivers; stays inside the canopy rather than in the open.
Did you know
It is a champion mimic, weaving the calls of many other birds into its own chattering song.
Often confused with
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