Fork-tailed Drongo vs Barn Swallow

In short

The Fork-tailed Drongo and Barn Swallow can be differentiated by their tail shapes and plumage. The Drongo has a distinctive forked tail and all-black plumage, while the Barn Swallow features a deeply forked tail with elongated outer feathers and a glossy steel-blue upper body with rufous-chestnut throat.

Identification tips

1. Tail Shape: Look for the deeply forked tail with elongated outer feathers in Barn Swallows, compared to the more uniform fork of the Drongo. 2. Plumage: Note the all-black plumage of the Drongo versus the steel-blue and rufous-chestnut coloration of the Swallow. 3. Behavior: Observe behavior; Drongos may be seen harassing other birds, while Swallows are more likely to be seen in flight catching insects.

Size

The Fork-tailed Drongo is generally larger and more robust than the slender Barn Swallow.

Plumage

The Fork-tailed Drongo is uniformly black with a glossy sheen, whereas the Barn Swallow has a glossy steel-blue upper body, rufous-chestnut forehead and throat, and creamy or buffy white underparts.

Behaviour

Fork-tailed Drongos are known for kleptoparasitism and aggressive behavior towards other birds, while Barn Swallows are agile fliers often seen catching insects mid-air.

Habitat

Fork-tailed Drongos are found in open woodlands and savannas, often near water, whereas Barn Swallows prefer open fields and are commonly seen near human habitation.

Voice

The Fork-tailed Drongo has a varied and complex call, often mimicking other species, while the Barn Swallow's call is a simple series of twittering notes.