• Source: Palawan drongo

The Palawan drongo (Dicrurus palawanensis) is an Asian bird of the family Dicruridae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the hair-crested drongo. It is endemic to Palawan.




Description and taxonomy


Ebird describes it as "A large, stocky drongo endemic to Palawan. Note highly iridescent wings and shiny speckles on the breast and neck, as well as the shallowly forked tail and large, curved bill. Ashy Drongo has a somewhat similar shape, but is paler and more slender overall, lacks prominent iridescence, and has red eyes. Like many other drongos, often selects conspicuous perches in forest and forest edge. Strong, varied song often includes high-pitched whistles and warbles, as well as hoots and grating notes."
It was formerly conspecific with the Hair-crested drongo species complex which has now been split into 7 different subspecies. Molecular studies have shown that among these, it's most similar to the other Philippine drongos - the Short-tailed drongo and the Balicassiao




= Subspecies

=
Two subspecies are recognized:

D. p.palawanensis — Found on Palawan, Busuanga, Culion, Balabac Island and Cagayancillo
D. p. cuyensis — Found on Semirara Island and Cuyo ; Glossier and slightlu larger than nominate
Not much is known about its diet but it is presumed to be the typical drongo diet of nectar and insects.




Habitat and conservation status


Its habitat is primary lowland forest, second growth and thick scrub up to 1,500 meters above sea level.
It is assessed as least-concern species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature with the population decreasing. Palawan's forests are under threat due to illegal logging, deforestation, land conversion and mining. The whole of Palawan was designated as a Biosphere Reserve; however, protection and enforcement of laws has been difficult and these threats still continue. It occurs in just one protected area in the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.




References



International Ornithological Congress (July 25, 2020). "IOC World Bird List". Retrieved July 25, 2020.

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Asia Tenggara
• Palawan drongo
• Drongo
• Ashy drongo
• List of birds by common name
• Hair-crested drongo
• Fork-tailed drongo-cuckoo
• Short-tailed drongo
• Fairy-bluebird
• List of birds of the Philippines
• List of endemic birds of the Philippines