Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo vs Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

In short

The Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo and Greater Racket-tailed Drongo can be distinguished primarily by their tails: the Drongo-Cuckoo has a square tail, while the Racket-tailed Drongo features distinctive elongated outer tail feathers with rackets. Both species are dark, but their tail shapes are the most reliable field marks. Vocalizations differ, with the Drongo-Cuckoo having a more repetitive call.

Identification tips

1. Look for the tail shape: square in the Drongo-Cuckoo, racket-shaped in the Racket-tailed Drongo. 2. Note the size: the Racket-tailed Drongo is larger. 3. Listen for vocal differences: repetitive calls from the Drongo-Cuckoo versus varied mimicry from the Racket-tailed Drongo.

Size

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is larger than the Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo.

Plumage

Both species are predominantly dark, but the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo may appear glossier. The tail shape is the key difference: square in the Drongo-Cuckoo, elongated with rackets in the Racket-tailed Drongo.

Behaviour

The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is often more conspicuous, engaging in aerial displays, while the Drongo-Cuckoo tends to be more secretive.

Habitat

Both species can be found in forests, but the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is more adaptable and may be seen in a wider range of wooded habitats.

Voice

The Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo has a repetitive call, while the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is known for its varied and mimicry-rich vocalizations.