Black Drongo look-alikes
Dicrurus macrocercus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Black Drongo. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Ashy Drongo
Dicrurus leucophaeus
Key differences
The Ashy Drongo is primarily grey, not black, and has a less deeply forked tail. It also has a more upright posture and often a white patch around the eye (though this can be variable).
Bronzed Drongo
Dicrurus aeneus
Key differences
Smaller than the Black Drongo, with a more iridescent bronze-green sheen on its plumage. Its tail is less deeply forked and appears more square-ended or slightly emarginated.
Hair-crested Drongo (Spangled Drongo)
Dicrurus hottentottus
Key differences
Larger and heavier-billed than the Black Drongo, with a more pronounced crest of hair-like feathers on the forehead (often difficult to see in the field). Its tail is also deeply forked but often has a slight upward curl at the tips.
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