Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo

Surniculus lugubris

Family: Cuckoos · Status: Uncommon resident and uncommon migrant · Size: 24.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs from the Himalayas, northeastern India, and southern China through Indochina and much of Southeast Asia. Northern populations are migrants, wintering south through the Thai-Malay Peninsula.

Identification

Adult has glossy blue-black plumage, slender slightly downcurved bill, and a square-cut to slightly forked tail. White barrings on vent and undertail coverts are the key mark separating it from all drongos; also note thinner bill and slimmer body. Juvenile has prominent white spots on head, body, and wing-coverts.

Habitat

Forest and forest edge; migrants also found in mangroves, parks, and gardens.

Behaviour

Brood parasite; known hosts in Singapore include Pin-striped Tit-Babbler and Olive-winged Bulbul.