Crow-billed Drongo vs Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

In short

The Crow-billed Drongo and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo can be distinguished primarily by their tails and bills. The Crow-billed Drongo has a shorter, square tail and a notably stout bill, while the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo features elongated outer tail feathers with rackets and a more slender bill.

Identification tips

• Tail shape: Look for the distinctive racket-shaped tail feathers of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.
• Bill size: The Crow-billed Drongo has a noticeably stout bill compared to the slender bill of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.
• Vocalizations: Listen for complex and mimicking calls from the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.
• Size: Note the larger size of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo when both species are seen together.

Size

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is generally larger than the Crow-billed Drongo.

Plumage

Both species have glossy black plumage, but the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo may appear more iridescent.

Behaviour

Both species are active and agile fliers, often seen sallying for insects.

Habitat

Both species can be found in forests, but the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is more likely to be found in dense, humid forests, while the Crow-billed Drongo may also inhabit more open woodland areas.

Voice

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is known for its varied and complex vocalizations, often mimicking other species, while the Crow-billed Drongo has a simpler, less varied call.