Sri Lanka drongo

Sri Lanka drongo
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Dicruridae
Genus:	Dicrurus
Species:	D. lophorinus
Binomial name
Dicrurus lophorinus (Viellot, 1817)

The Sri Lanka drongo (Dicrurus lophorinus) is a species of bird in the Dicruridae family. It is endemic to Sri Lanka. It was previously considered a subspecies of the greater racket-tailed drongo.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.

Taxonomy

• Dicrurus lophorinus Vieillot, 1817, Sri Lanka.Has in the past been placed in monospecific Dissemurulus, or in Dissemuroides. May form a super species with D. paradiseus; often treated as conspecific, but differs in tail morphology and probably in voice. Molecular-genetic studies required in order to elucidate taxonomic status. Few inter grades with race ceylonicus of D. paradises formerly reported along border between wet and dry zones, but interbreeding not now possible, since suitable habitat no longer remains between the two ecological zones, now completely separated.

Distribution

• Wet zone of SW Sri Lanka: from R Deduru Oya (in N) S to R Walawe (in SW)

Identification

• Black plumage with metallic blue or greenish-blue gloss
• Arching, helmet-like crest
• Deeply forked tail
• Red eye
• Sexes similar

Behavior

• Forest, forest edges, plantations, wooded gardens.Like most drongos, hawks after insects from open perches.A superb mimic of the calls of other birds but always has a metallic sound.

References

• Rasmussen, P.C., and J.C. Anderton. 2005. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley guide. Volume 2: attributes and status. Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Washington D.C.
• http://www.ceylonbirdclub.org/ceylon_bird_club_search.php?id=48