Drongo (likely a juvenile) look-alikes
Dicrurus sp.
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Drongo (likely a juvenile). Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Black Drongo
Dicrurus macrocercus
Key differences
Adult Black Drongos are entirely glossy black with a deeply forked tail. Juveniles are duller black with white barring on the underparts, especially the vent, and a less deeply forked tail. The extent of white barring is a key juvenile feature.
Ashy Drongo
Dicrurus leucophaeus
Key differences
Adult Ashy Drongos are grey, not black, with a less deeply forked tail. Juveniles are also grey, but often with a brownish wash and some pale mottling on the underparts. The overall grey coloration distinguishes them from juvenile black drongos.
Bronzed Drongo
Dicrurus aeneus
Key differences
Smaller than most drongos, with a short, shallowly forked tail. Adults have a bronzy-green sheen. Juveniles are duller, but still retain some of the smaller size and less exaggerated tail shape, and may show some pale scaling on the underparts.
Hair-crested Drongo (Spangled Drongo)
Dicrurus hottentottus
Key differences
Adults have a spangled appearance and often a shaggy crest, with a deeply forked tail that flares outwards. Juveniles are duller, less spangled, and the crest is less developed, but the overall robust build and tail shape can be indicative.
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