வெண்புருவ வாலாட்டி White-browed Wagtail or Large Pied Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) Chennai Wetland Birds Medavakkam Marshland birds || Bird watching

 White-browed Wagtail or Large Pied Wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) வெண்புருவ வாலாட்டி / வரி வாலாட்டிக் குருவி

White-browed Wagtail Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

    This bird is not a frequent visitor to the Medavakkam Marshland, since our project started we have observed less than 10 times only. the morphology is somewhat similar to Pied Bushchat but it differs from that with a large body and long tail and an iconic white colour above the eybrow.  this bird continuously flips its tail up and down which is the reason behind the name Wagtail. A pair of White-browed Wagtail have been observed here near Annakkili Amma Research Institute between 6:30 am to 8:00 am. 

White-browed Wagtail Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

        The white-browed wagtail or large pied wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) is a medium-sized bird and is the largest member of the wagtail family. They are conspicuously patterned with black above and white below, a prominent white brow, shoulder stripe, and outer tail feathers. White-browed wagtails are native to South Asia, common near small water bodies, and have adapted to urban environments where they often nest on rooftops. The specific name is derived from the Indian city of Madras (now Chennai).

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
Genus: Motacilla
Species: M. maderaspatensis
Binomial name:    Motacilla maderaspatensis Gmelin, 1789

Asian Koel - Eudynamys scolopaceus (Cuculiformes, Cuculidae) ஆசியக் குயில் Chennai wetland area | Birds of Medavakkam Marshlands, Chennai city birds

Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) ஆசியக் குயில் 

 

Asian Koel Black (Male), and White and Black (Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)  

        To my wonder, Asian koels are more over here. nearly ten or more Asian Koel are spotted near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI). In Chennai, we used to spot one or two asian koel but here in Medavakkam Marshland it more in numbers.  It is more pleasant when we hear their song in the early morning. and there is a bush of trees present near AARI, where you can find koels full day. 

        

Asian Koel Black (Male), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Scientific classification:

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
Genus: Eudynamys
Species: E. scolopaceus
Binomial name: Eudynamys scolopaceus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Asian Koel Black (Male), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

                The Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. It is found in the Indian Subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia. It forms a superspecies with the closely related black-billed koels, and Pacific koels which are sometimes treated as subspecies. The Asian koel like many of its related cuckoo kin is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of crows and other hosts, who raise its young. They are unusual among the cuckoos in being largely frugivorous as adults. The name koel is echoic in origin with several language variants. The bird is a widely used symbol in Indian and Nepali poetry.

Asian Koel Black (Male), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

            A large cuckoo, distinctive in all plumages, but usually secretive, keeping to the interior of dense trees in many habitats, even inner cities, and fields. Adult males glossy black with the dull lime-green bill; females and immatures blackish-brown with white dots on the wings and strong streaking on head and throat. Adults have ruby-red eyes. Females lay eggs in the nests of other large birds, including crows, shrikes, and starlings. The song is a loud, persistent “ko-EL!” similar to a peacock’s call.

Asian Koel Black (Male), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        It is a brood parasite, laying eggs in nests of medium to large passerines, particularly crows and magpies (Corvidae), mynas and starlings (Sturnidae), orioles (Oriolidae), drongos (Dicruridae), laughingthrushes (Leiothrichidae), and Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach). In contrast to most brood-parasitic cuckoos, nestlings of koels and foster parents usually grow up together.

Asian Koel Black (Male), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        The Indian Subcontinent through east China, the mainland south-east Asia, the Phillippine, and the Sundaic Islands. Also Maldives, Laccadives, Andamans and Nicobars. A rare visitor to the Middle East. Accidental Korea and Japan

Asian Koel Black (Male),  (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Both resident and breeding migrants occur in secondary forests, mangroves, swamp forests, coastal scrub, forest edges, orchards, plantations, and city parks. Recorded up to 1,800 m in the Himalayas.

Asian Koel White and Black (Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        Asian Koel could potentially turn up in any habitat with trees or tall vegetation. Passage birds have been recorded in Phragmites reedbeds and hill forests. 

Asian Koel  White and Black (Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        Based on the identification of female birds on plumage, migrant chinensis seemingly favors forests on small islands and coastal areas as they outnumber resident malayanus in such habitats in the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Also winters in the mature evergreen forest. Any areas with trees in locations absent of territory-holding resident birds can perhaps be occupied by winter visitors.

Asian Koel White and Black (Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Arboreal. Visits trees with ripe fruits. Usually skulking in dense foliage above middle story and in the canopy. Rarely comes to the ground to feed. Non-breeding visitors often inhabit the canopy of mature evergreen forests where resident birds shun.

Asian Koel White and Black (Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

            The hook at the tip of the upper mandible, atypical for cuckoos, is useful in plucking ripe fruits. This may also enable it to opportunistically capture small birds as does Pacific Koel. Nectar, large insects, and snails are also taken. Hops among branches in fruiting trees and takes berries one at a time. Most fruits grasped are small, but up to the size of 41 mm has been reported. Fruits are swallowed whole and large seeds are regurgitated. Females frequently consume eggs of other birds, usually as they lay their own. A total of four eggs was reported taken from a bulbul nest within only 4 seconds. 

Asian Koel  Black and White(Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        Fruits of figs (Ficus), mulberries (Morus), jujubes (Zizyphus), Brazilian cherry (Eugenia uniflora), wild cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus), tamarind (Tamarindus indica), java olive tree (Sterculia foetida), large-flowered bay tree (Persea macrantha), sandalwood (Santalum), Pithecellobium dulce, guava (Psidium guajava), nuts of various palms including Chinese fan palm (Livistoma chinensis), oil palm and (Archontophoenix alexandrae), poisonous fruit of Yellow Oleander (Thevatia neriifolia), nectar of Indian coral tree (Erythrina indica), nectar and flower of bluebellvine (Clitoria ternatea), fruit and nectar of papaya (Carica papaya).

Eggs of host species and other passerines such as Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) and Yellow-vented Bulbul (P. goiavier). Large insects, including grasshoppers, mantids, stick-insects, caterpillars. Snails are also occasionally taken.

Asian Koel  Black and White(Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Usually vocalizing from dense cover in the canopy. In contrast with typical wintering cuckoos, Asian Koel is noisy even as non-breeding visitors, albeit less vocal, and at night. Male has a wide range of repertoire.

Both sexes give repetitive, bubbling koh-koh-koh-koh, with a falling end wuroo-wuroo-wuroo or drawn out wheeoo. The loud, strident kik-kik-kik-kik, is frequently heard given by females both in flight and when perched. Females engaged in a flight usually emit harsh chuck-chuck-chuck.

Asian Koel  Black and White(Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Asian Koel  Black and White(Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Asian Koel  Black and White(Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Asian Koel  Black and White(Female), (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) அன்றில் Chennai wetland area | Birds of Medavakkam Marshlands, Chennai city birds || Information about Ibis in Tamil literature

 Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)  அன்றில் (Threskiornithidae, Pelecaniformes )

 Glossy ibis feeding on Medavakkam Marshland near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 03/02/2021 (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a water bird in the order of Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. The scientific name derives from Ancient Greek plegados and Latin, falcis, both meaning "sickle" and referring to the distinctive shape of the bill.

 Glossy ibis feeding on Medavakkam Marshland near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 03/02/2021 (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

    Glossy ibis was frequently observed near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) between 1st to 3rd February but later it could only be seen flying through AARI. It was not observed landing near AARI after 3rd February 2021.  even though the observation of this ibis here in Feb was frequent it was very rare in march, we could not the exact reason for that.. it is one of the best bird I clicked ever with full of glittering feathers and, it was a little fearless bird so that it allowed me to walk near to take the snap with my SLR camera with less zooming option. 

 Glossy ibis feeding on Medavakkam Marshland near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 03/02/2021 (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

    Wetland biodiversity often disturbed by plastics and Thermocol box pieces, here also, they are present in more numbers. The water on this part of the marshland is clear and in good condition, which helps a lot of biodiversities to thrive but the disturbing part is solid wastes.

 Glossy ibis landing on Medavakkam Marshland near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 01/02/2021 (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

இது அரிவாள் மூக்கன் குடும்பத்தைச் சார்ந்த ஒரு கரைப்பறவை (shore bird or wader) ஆகும். 

“கூவின பூங்குயில் கூவின கோழி

குருகுகள் இயம்பின இயம்பின சங்கம்

ஓவின தாரகை யொளிஒளி உதயத்து

ஒருப்படுகின்றது…………”

                                                 - (ப.திருமுறை: 8: 20: 3)

here kurugu means antril. and also many ancient tamil literature cites different type of Ibis in different names. For example pakantril பகன்றில் (meants white coloured ibis), 

வெள்ளை நிற அன்றில் பகன்றில் என அழைக்கப்படும் [பகல் + அன்றில் = பகன்றில்]

திருஞானசம்பந்தர் தமது தேவாரத்தில்

“பகரத்தாரா அன்னம் பகன்றில் பாதம் பணிந்தேத்தத்

தகரப்புன்னை தாழைப் பொழில்சேர் சண்பை நகராரே”

                                                  - (ப.திருமுறை: 1: 66: 3)

எனப் பகன்றிலைக் குறிப்பிடுகிறார்.

and red headed ibis was called as senthalai antril (செந்தலை அன்றில்) -  (குறுந்தொகை: 160: 1 - 4)

Black legged and black ibis was named as karunkaal antril கருங்கால் அன்றில் (குறுந்தொகை: 301: 1 - 4). 

Black legged white ibis was named as "Karunkaal venkurugu" (கருங்கால் வெண்குருகு)  -  (குறுந்தொகை: 303 :1 - 3).

These names are good examples of the morphological classification system that was well established in the olden Tamil civilization and they are evidently available in Tamil literature.

 Glossy ibis feeding on Medavakkam Marshland near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 01/02/2021 (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Glossy ibises feed in very shallow water and nest in freshwater or brackish wetlands with tall dense stands of emergent vegetation such as reeds, papyrus, or rushes) and low trees or bushes. They show a preference for marshes at the margins of lakes and rivers but can also be found at lagoons, flood-plains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, paddies, and irrigated farmland.

 Glossy ibis landing on Medavakkam Marshland near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 01/02/2021 (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        Ebird Description: Long, curved bill. Adults are mostly dark with iridescent green and reddish tones. The very thin white border surrounding the dark facial skin. Dark eyes. Usually gregarious, it is found mainly in salty marshes and shallow wetlands. Unmistakable in most of its range, though American birds are best distinguished from White-faced Ibis by distribution and facial pattern.

 Glossy ibis feeding on Medavakkam Marshland near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 01/02/2021 (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) உண்ணிக்கொக்கு Biodiversity of Chennai wetland area | Birds of Marshlands of Chennai city | Indian Cattle egret

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) உண்ணிக்கொக்கு

Cattle Egret searching fr insects near a cow Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus, although some authorities regard two of its subspecies as full species, the western cattle egret and the eastern cattle egret. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonized much of the rest of the world in the last century.

Cattle Egret searching fr insects near a cow Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Small, compact white heron with a relatively short yellow bill. More frequently seen in dry habitats than other egrets; rarely gets its feet wet. In, breeding season, look for pale salmon color on head and breast (more extensive in Asia and Australasia) and brighter bill. Leg color varies from reddish or yellow during the breeding season to black during the nonbreeding season. Juveniles have a dark bill. Always note relatively short, thick neck and short legs compared with other egrets. Widespread and fairly common across the globe. Often gathers in flocks, frequently following cattle or tractors in fields.

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Scientific classification 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Pelecaniformes

Family: Ardeidae

Genus: Bubulcus Bonaparte, 1855

Species: B. ibis

Binomial name: Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

On the Madambakkam Marshland area at 15th March 2021 more than 20 cattle egret were observed standing below a tree shade.

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

The Cattle Egret's feeding habitat is open country, where it is most often found associated with cattle (in North America). In other countries, it is found near a variety of large grazers. Breeding habitat is similar to that of other herons and egrets, in colonies near the water, often in a swamp or on an island.

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

உண்ணிக்கொக்கு மேய்ச்சல் புல்வெளிகளிலும் நெல்வயல்களிலும் உள்நாட்டு நீர்நிலைகளிலும் அதிகளவில் காணப்படும் ஒரு கொக்கு ஆகும். சிறு வெண் கொக்கை ஒத்த உடலமைப்பு கொண்டது இது; தடித்த, அளவில் சற்று சிறிய, மஞ்சள் நிற அலகும் இனப்பெருக்க காலங்களில் சிறகுத்தொகுதிகளில் ஏற்படும் நிற மாற்றங்களும் இதனை சிறு வெண்கொக்கிடமிருந்து வேறுபடுத்திக் காட்டுகின்றன

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

The Cattle Egret eats mainly insects, especially grasshoppers, and in some parts of the world, parasitic flies. An adaptable species, they have been known to eat nestling birds and eggs, and to scavenge in dumps.

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

The Cattle Egret is a small heron, usually found near grazing mammals. Only half the size of a Great Egret, the Cattle Egret's size is a useful field mark. Juveniles and adults in non-breeding plumage are pure white with dark legs. Adults have yellow bills. The juvenile's bill is dark but turns yellow by its first fall. Adults in breeding plumage are unmistakable, with buff-colored plumes creating patches on the back, breast, and crest. Breeding adults also have orange bills and reddish-orange legs.

Cattle egret walking on floating Pistia plants to get their prey at Medavakkam Marshland Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica வெண்தொண்டைச் சில்லை | Biodiversity of Chennai wetland area | Birds of Marshlands of Chennai city

Indian Silverbill - Euodice malabarica வெண்தொண்டைச் சில்லை 

Indian Silverbill on the terrace of Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) building at Medavakkam, Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Indian silver bill was frequently observed on Medavakkam wetland area. Even though this bird used to live in the dry area it is also living in the center of the wetland. often more than 20 silvelbill were counted near AARI.  

The Indian silverbill or white-throated munia (Euodice malabarica) is a small passerine bird found in the Indian Subcontinent and adjoining regions that was formerly considered to include the closely related African silverbill (Euodice cantans). This estrildid finch is a common resident breeding bird in the drier regions of the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent. It has also been introduced into many other parts of the world and has become established in some areas. They forage in small flocks in grassland and scrub habitats.

Indian Silverbill on the terrace of Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) building at Medavakkam, Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Scientific classification 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Estrildidae

Genus: Euodice

Species: E. malabarica

Binomial name:  Euodice malabarica (Linnaeus, 1758)

Indian Silverbill feeding on the terrace of Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) building at Medavakkam, Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Small, long-tailed finch with a chunky body and short, stout bill. Gray-brown above and pale below with a whitish rump and black-pointed tail. Highly sociable throughout the year. Found in a semidesert, scrub, and dry woodland but also proliferates in urban areas. Distribution is centered on the Indian subcontinent, but it is a popular cage bird and feral populations are widespread.

Indian Silverbill feeding on the terrace of Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) building at Medavakkam, Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

They prefer dry open country and cultivation. Indian silverbill inhabits dry, open, cultivated as well as sparse scrub-and-bush country, and avoids humid forest. It is usually met within flocks gleaning grass seeds on the ground or taking them off the ears. 

Indian Silverbill on the terrace of Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) building at Medavakkam, Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

The black central tail feathers are slightly elongated, and the upper tail coverts are white. The tail appears pointed as the length of the feathers reduces from the center outwards. Indian silverbill has buff-brown upperparts, white underparts, and dark wings. Whitethroat extends from just beneath its beak to its under the tail. Indian silverbill has a conical silver-grey bill. Both sexes are similar, but young ones have buff underparts and a shorter tail. The male usually has a slightly wider head than the female. Breeds throughout the greater part of the year. Both sexes construct an irregular, oval nest with the help of some grasses and other soft materials. Eggs 4 to 8, white and these are incubated by both parents for about 10 to 12 days. The chicks fledge about 19 days after hatching, and around 7 days later the young can forage independently.

Indian Silverbill feeding on the terrace of Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) building at Medavakkam, Photo Credit U Elaya Perumal

Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata) புதர்ச்சிட்டு Chennai Wetland Birds Medavakkam Marshland birds || Bird watching

Pied Bushchat (Saxicola caprata) புதர்ச்சிட்டு

Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

In the Medavakkam Marshland area, the Pied Bushchats were rarely observed. Mostly they are spotted in the early morning or during the evening time. A couple of bush chats were observed near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) on 15-03-2020 and also it was observed earlier some days. this species is also common in Pallikaranai Marshland area.

 The Pied Bushchat, Saxicola Caprata, is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae. It and similar small species in the family are often called chats.

Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

A sedentary “chat” associated with open habitats in tropical and subtropical Asia. Males are black with a white vent and a white wing patch. Females are dark brown with a reddish-brown rump and underparts. Females can resemble the migratory Siberian Stonechat but can be separated by the absence of an eyebrow and of any white on the collar or wing. Rather conspicuous; it may use and sing from any open perch, unlike more discerning stonechats. Calls include a rising “whee” and hard, decisive “chruk.”

                                 

                          Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Scientific classification 

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Muscicapidae

Genus: Saxicola

Species: S. caprata

Binomial name: Saxicola caprata (Linnaeus, 1766)

Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

It is a resident breeder in tropical southern Asia from the Middle East through India and eastwards to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is found in open habitats like scrub, rough grassland and cultivation. It builds its nest in a hole in a wall or similar site, and lays 2-5 eggs.

Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The Pied Bushchat is slightly smaller than the Siberian Stonechat, Saxicola Maura, although it has a similar dumpy structure and upright stance. The male is black except for a white rump, wing patch, and lower belly. The males of the race bicolor have vermiculated dark grey upperparts.

The female has dark brown upperparts and rufous underparts and rump. She has no white wing patches. Juveniles are similar to females.This species is insectivorous, and like other chats hunts from a prominent low perch.

Pied Bushchat at Medavakkam marshland Area (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) இரட்டைவால் குருவி அல்லது கரிக்குருவி Chennai Wetland Birds Medavakkam Marshland birds

 Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) இரட்டைவால் குருவி அல்லது கரிக்குருவி

Black Drongo showing its front view with double tail and sitting on Electrical wire in front of Annakkili Amma Research Institute-AARI (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

The black drongo is a small Asian passerine bird of the drongo family Dicruridae it is also known as King Crow. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka east to southern China and Indonesia and accidental visitors of Japan.

Black Drong side view (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        The black drongo is a very common bird in Chennai city's Marshlands. Locally it is called double-tailed Kuruvi i.e., Double-tailed bird.  This bird has been observed from areas like Madipakkam wetland, Medavakkam Wetland, Pallikaranai Marshland, Tambaram, Chromepet, Pallavaram, Knathanchavadi, Kovalam Beach area, Thiruvanmiyur, Mylapore other places also it could be noticed but have not personally observed. In the case of Medavakkam wetland, there are 2 pairs of black drongo near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI). These can be observed from early morning (6am) to all day. sometimes they may be busy fighting with crows or Red-vented Bulbul.

Black drongo (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

An adaptable songbird of open areas such as farmland, forest edge, meadows, wetlands, and fields and a common sight as a familiar dark silhouette perched on wires, fences, or snags. Black plumage flashes blue and green iridescence in a favorable light, though much less so than in Hair-crested or Bronzed Drongo. A pugnacious species, frequently chasing away larger birds with repeated dives and harsh chattering calls. A skilled mimic of other species, and a strong songster in general, delivering a wide range of pleasant fluty calls, harsh chattering, nasal notes, and high sharp whistles.

Black drongo (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

    Feeding on insects, it is common in open agricultural areas and light forests throughout its range, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines.

Black drongo (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        The species is famous for its aggressive behavior towards much larger birds, such as crows, never hesitating to dive-bomb any birds of prey that invade its territory. Smaller birds often nest in the well-guarded vicinity of a nesting Black Drongo. The Black Drongo has been introduced to some Pacific islands, where it has thrived and become abundant to the point of threatening and causing the extinction of native and endemic bird species there.

Black drongo in aggressive mode, this photo clearly shows the emotion and aggressiveness of the bird (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        This bird is glossy black with a wide fork to the tail. Adults usually have a small white spot at the base of the gape. The iris is dark brown (not crimson as in the similar Ashy Drongo). The sexes cannot be told apart in the field. Juveniles are brownish and may have some white barring or speckling towards the belly and vent, and can be mistaken for the White-bellied Drongo. First-year birds have white tips to the feathers of the belly, while second-years have these white-tipped feathers restricted to the vent.

Black drongo (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        They are aggressive and fearless birds, and although only 28–cm (11–in) in length, they will attack much larger species that enter their nesting territory, including crows and birds of prey. This behavior led to their former name of King Crow. They fly with strong flaps of the wing and are capable of fast maneuvers that enable them to capture flying insects.

Black drongo (Photo Credit: U Elaya Perumal)

        With short legs, they sit upright on thorny bushes, bare perches, or electrical or telephone wires. They may also perch on grazing cattle. They are capable of producing a wide range of calls but a common call is a two-note tee-hee call resembling that of the Shikra (Accipiter badius).

All Photographs were taken near Annakkili Amma Research Institute (AARI) which is located at Medavakkam Wetland area.