India is home to one of nature’s finest animals and birds, and one such bird is the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, often called the country’s “mimicry bird”. These birds are famous for their extraordinary ability to imitate the calls of dozens of other birds and even some mammals. Ornithologists have witnessed these intelligent birds copying alarm calls to confuse other animals or scare them away from food. If birdwatching is on your list, here are four wildlife reserves in India where you can watch these master mimics. Read on!
4 Indian Wildlife Reserves To Watch Mimicry Birds
1. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
India’s oldest national park is one of the best places to spot the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, especially in its dense sal forests. The bird is often heard before it is seen, mimicking barbets, bulbuls and other forest birds while flying between tree canopies. Early morning safaris offer the highest chance of sightings.
2. Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
The evergreen and semi-evergreen forests of Periyar offer an ideal habitat for drongos. The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is frequently seen around bamboo groves and forest trails, where it captivates visitors with an impressive repertoire of whistles, calls and imitations. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 260 bird species recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
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3. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole’s moist deciduous forests attract numerous drongo species. The Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is mainly active here, often following mixed-species bird flocks while mimicking their calls. Guided birding walks and jeep safaris are the most common here and include sightings of this charismatic bird.
4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Last but not least, while famous for the one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga is equally rewarding for bird enthusiasts. The park’s woodland patches and riverine forests are home to the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, whose striking tail streamers and vocal mimicry make it easy to identify.
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Have you ever watched the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo mimicking other birds and animals?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Is the greater racket-tailed drongo found in India?
The greater racket-tailed drongo is a resident breeder throughout its range. The breeding season in India is April to August.
Are black drongos aggressive?
Yes, black drongos are very aggressive, fearless, and highly territorial birds.
Is Black Drongo rare in India?
No, the black drongo is not rare in India.