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Drongo Cuckoo

on 2nd January 2015

“The *Drongo Cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris) aka Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo, is an uncommon resident as well as passage migrant in Singapore.

“This cuckoo has an overall black glossy plumage. Although dark, the plumage reflects light and this makes it appear glaring at times when the sun shines on it.

“Depending on the angle of view, the plumage may appear with a blueish, greenish or even brownish sheen (above). Contrasting with its black plumage, white barred markings can be found on its under-tail. There are also tiny white spots at the tips of feathers on its rump and its tail (below).

“Was fortunate to encounter this cuckoo at an event venue (park) sign (top). Observing it over an extended period proved rewarding as it obliged by indulging in comfort behaviour.

While waiting for its breakfast, it was occasionally preening, sunning, and stretching (above, below). Breakfast menu included caterpillars – both hairy and non-hairy that were caught on the ground as well as in the canopy.

“Not commonly seen features showcased on this occasion:

1. a small spot of white on its nape – normally difficult to see due to its tiny size (above);
2. white thighs – often obscured from view (third from top);
3. a white stripe on its under-wing – seen when it opened its wings during stretching (fifth from top);

“The juvenile of this species is distinctive with white spots covering all over (below).”

Kwong Wai Chong
Singapore
24th December 2014

*Note: We follow C. Robson, 2000 ( A field guide to the birds of South-East Asia. New Hollad, London) as far as common names are concerned as this field guide is widely used in the region.

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

2 Responses

  1. Look – there’s actually an insect crawling on the tip of the bird’s left wing in the first picture! What is it?

    Also, happy 2015 to all at BESG, esp YC. Did you get my email sent in October?

    I have been very busy (and more recently in ill health) and so have not been popping by much.

  2. Come to think of it there is an insect on the wing. But unable to say what insect from the pic.

    I do recollect reading your earlier mail and deciding to reply later. However, somehow I failed to do so. My apologies.

    Best wishes for the new year.

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