Sri Lanka drongo

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Sri Lanka drongo
Dicrurus lophorinus 63119961.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Dicruridae
Genus: Dicrurus
Species:
D. lophorinus
Binomial name
Dicrurus lophorinus
Vieillot, 1817

The Sri Lanka drongo (Dicrurus lophorinus) or Ceylon crested drongo, is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. 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 and montane forests.

Contents

Taxonomy

Dicrurus lophorinusVieillot, 1817, was 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

The species can be found throughout Wet zone of South Western parts of Sri Lanka, from Deduru Oya to Walawe.

Identification

Behavior

It is a forest bird as other drongos that can is confined to forest edges, plantations, and wooded gardens. Like most drongos, it feeds on insects from open perches. A superb mimic of the calls of other birds but always has a metallic sound.

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References

  1. BirdLife International. 2017. Dicrurus lophorinus (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T103711132A111467183. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T103711132A111467183.en. Downloaded on 11 December 2018.