Common name: Black Drongo
Scientific name: Dicrurus macrocercus
Family: Dicruridae

Size:
Body length: 28–32 cm
Wingspan: 40–45 cm
Weight: 40–50 g

Identification:
A medium-sized, slender bird with glossy black plumage that shows a subtle metallic blue sheen under good light. It has a distinctive deeply forked tail, often appearing like two thin streamers. The bill is strong and slightly hooked at the tip, and the eyes are dark red to brown. Its upright posture and confident demeanor are characteristic. In flight, it is agile and often seen performing quick aerial maneuvers while chasing insects.

Habitat:
Open habitats including agricultural lands, grasslands, open woodlands, and urban areas. Commonly seen perched on wires, fences, or isolated trees where it scans for prey.

Status in the UAE:
Vagrant and very rare. Only a limited number of records exist, with occasional sightings across the country. A notable record includes successful breeding in Dubai’s Mushrif Park in 2022, marking the first confirmed breeding in the Arabian Peninsula.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, ants, and flying insects. Occasionally takes small vertebrates like lizards or small birds.

Behavior:
Highly active and aggressive for its size, often seen chasing away much larger birds such as crows and raptors. Frequently uses exposed perches to hunt, launching short flights to catch prey mid-air. Known for its adaptability and tolerance of human presence.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)