Kingdom Animalia Class Aves Family Dicruridae Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Passeriformes Genus Dicrurus | |
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Similar Crested drongo, Grand Comoro drongo, Velvet‑mantled drongo, Aldabra drongo, Mayotte drongo | ||
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.
Contents
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Taxonomy
Dicrurus lophorinus Vieillot, 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.