Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

Greater racket-tailed drongos range through India and Southeast Asia to southern China, Hainan, and parts of Indonesia. They occupy varied tropical landscapes, including moist deciduous forest, rainforest, the lower Himalayan hills, mountains, and open plains. Populations are especially dense in the Himalayan foothills, and the species occurs from sea level to approximately 2,000 meters. Adults measure 31 to 36 centimeters long and weigh about 70 to 125 grams. Their elongated outer tail feathers end in distinctive rackets that produce a humming sound during flight. (Animal Diversity Web)

These drongos eat ants, bees, beetles, dragonflies, locusts, mantids, moths, termites, and other insects, catching prey in flight or removing it from surfaces. They also drink nectar and may consequently transfer pollen. Their broad repertoire includes whistles, metallic notes, warbles, and convincing imitations used while accompanying mixed feeding flocks. Monogamous pairs share nest construction, incubation, and chick care. They breed once annually, laying one to four eggs, usually about three. Incubation lasts 15 to 17 days. (Animal Diversity Web)