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BLACK DRONGO – CATTLE ASSOCIATION

on 17th November 2012

“While exploring the countryside in Thailand in October 2012, the Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) was frequently encountered (above).

“One afternoon, while admiring a herd of grazing cows at close range, I was delighted to witness a handful of Black Drongos keeping a watchful eye over the cattle movement as they bulldozed through the long grass. Some would be perched on the low branches of trees (above).

“Others would perch upon shrubs next to the cows (above).

“These hungry Black Drongos appeared to display a heightened level of alertness, as they kept their eyes peeled for any hint of movement from a grasshopper or cricket that may be displaced by the advancing wave of grazing cows (above).

“Not only did the Black Drongos seem to be more alert during this foraging frenzy, they also appeared to be more aggressive, as regular squabbles were observed as they bickered over choice perches that would guarantee close proximity and quick access to insect prey. While this association with domestic cattle has previously been reported for Black Drongos (Lekagul & Round, 1991), nothing compares to being a front row spectator to all this action! I also wonder if the Black Drongos have been known to have similar associations with other cattle (semi-domesticated or wild), such as Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), Banteng (Bos javanicus) or Gaur (Bos frontalis)?

“Nearby to where I witnessed the Black Drongos feeding amongst the cattle, other species of Drongos were sighted as well, but they never ventured anywhere near the herd. These include the Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus leucogenis) (above) and the Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) (below).”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
8th Nove,ber 2012

REFERENCE
Lekagul, B. & P. D. Round, 1991. A Guide to the Birds of Thailand. Saha Karn Bhaet Co., Ltd., Bangkok. 457 pp.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

One Response

  1. These Black Drongos are ubiquitous in Northeastern India where I visited recently. Spectacular and accurate aerial hunters. An agressive bird, I saw it chased after the House Crow which is 2-3 times bigger in more than 5 occasions during my short visit. Ironically, crows are normally the agressor in Singapore.

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