Where does the Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo live?
Surniculus lugubris
Spotted a bird? Identify it instantly with the Birdby app
Open the appThe Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, secondary forests, forest edges, plantations, and sometimes gardens.
Geographic range
Widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia. This includes countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, Sulawesi), and the Philippines.
Preferred environments
Prefers areas with dense tree cover, often near the canopy or mid-story, but can also be seen in more open woodland and cultivated areas with scattered trees.
Elevation range
Typically found from lowlands up to about 1,500 meters (occasionally higher).
Where to look
Forest Edges
Often found at the interface between dense forest and more open areas, where it can forage and observe potential host nests.
Secondary Forests
Common in regenerating forests and disturbed habitats, which often have a good mix of tree cover and open spaces.
Plantations and Gardens
Can be seen in cultivated areas with mature trees, especially if adjacent to natural forest patches.
Canopy and Mid-story
Typically perches in the mid-to-upper canopy of trees, often on exposed branches, making it easier to spot.
Field tips
- Listen for calls. Its distinctive calls are often the first indication of its presence. Learn to recognize its melancholic whistles.
- Scan mixed flocks. Look for it among flocks of drongos, as it often mimics their appearance and behavior to blend in.
- Observe tail shape carefully. When you see a glossy black bird, pay close attention to the tail. A square tail is key to identification.
- Check prominent perches. It often perches on exposed branches in the mid-to-upper canopy, making it easier to spot against the sky.
Migration
Mostly resident throughout its range, but some populations in the northern parts of its distribution may undertake short-distance altitudinal or local migrations. Some populations in Southeast Asia are considered partial migrants.
Explore the Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo
Identify birds anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo & sound identification, full species database, and your personal life list.