Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo vs Hair-crested Drongo

In short

The Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo and Hair-crested Drongo can be distinguished by their tail structure and plumage. The Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo has distinctive elongated outer tail feathers with rackets, while the Hair-crested Drongo lacks these and has a more uniform tail. Both species share a similar overall black appearance, but the Hair-crested Drongo has a less intense metallic sheen.

Identification tips

• Look for the racket-tipped outer tail feathers on the Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo.
• Note the metallic sheen: more intense in the Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo.
• Observe the habitat: the Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo may be found at higher elevations.
• Listen for vocal differences, though these are subtle and not well-documented.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of medium-sized drongos.

Plumage

The Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo has a deep black plumage with a strong metallic sheen, whereas the Hair-crested Drongo's black is less intense and has a more greenish metallic hue.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical drongo behavior, such as perching conspicuously and sallying for insects.

Habitat

Both species inhabit forested areas, but the Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo is more often found in higher elevations compared to the Hair-crested Drongo.

Voice

Both species have complex vocalizations, but specific differences in calls are not well-documented here.