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Spangled Drongo

(Dicrurus bracteatus)
Size: 28-32 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Spangled Drongos are breeding migrants to Australia from the north. They populate the north and east coast and parts of the Great Dividing Range. Nominate race "bracteatus" resides from about Ingham, QLD, southwards up to about Woollongong, NSW. On Cape York peninsula, down to Ingham, QLD, race "atrabectus" is found. Both these races can extend their range into the ranges behind the coastal fringe. Race "bracteatus" may reach the south coast, up to near Melbourne, VIC. Race "baileyi" is found along the far north coast of the NT and of the Kimberleys in WA. Race "carbonarius" does not reach the Australian mainland, but stays further north.

Spangled Drongos can often be found in wet forest, but also in drier woodland. They adapt to the presence of humans well and are often also found in urban parks and gardens.

Sightings

A pair of Spangled Drongos was first spotted by us 20 km east of Narrabri, NSW, in December 2006. This sighting is on the edge of their habitat, because they normally stay on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range. The identification is certain; only at the time we did not have our camera to hand...

Also spotted by us in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009. Special access to the wetlands kindly granted by the owners of Capricorn Resort is most gratefully acknowledged.

Seen and photographed by C. Kellenberg at Plum Creek, Biggenden, QLD, in December 2008.

Seen and photographed also by L. Tonnochy 20 km north of Townsville, QLD, in January 2011.

Photos

Frontal view of a Spangled Drongo; photo courtesy of L. Tonnochy

Near-frontal view of a Spangled Drongo; photo courtesy of L. Tonnochy

Close-up lateral view of a Spangled Drongo; photo courtesy of L. Tonnochy

Lateral view of a Spangled Drongo; photo courtesy of C. Kellenberg

View from behind of an immature Spangled Drongo (photo obtained in the wetlands of Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon, in July 2009; see credits page for details)

Food

Spangled Drongos usually hunt insect in flight, but will take spiders and beetles from tree bark as well.