Predation on small passerines by the Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus

Abstract

The Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus, a partly-migratory passerine, was observed in bushland remnants in southern Sydney. Here, we report two incidents of Spangled Drongos hunting and feeding on small passerines from mixed flocks. One was seen chasing a Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus, consuming much of the carcass in 17 minutes. Another was seen ambushing a Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki from a hunting perch. Interesting insights include proceeding to pluck feathers before the prey was dead and ingesting some of the feathers.

Resilient wildlife of the sprawling suburbia of south-eastern Sydney

“…As restrictions eased, we visited patches of remnant bushland in search of a broader diversity of wildlife. We have frequented these areas over the years, especially when we were following the lives of Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) breeding pairs Waterhouse 2015a;Mo et al , 2016a and other birds (Mo et al 2017;Mo and Waterhouse 2021).…”