Palawan drongo

The Palawan drongo (Dicrurus palawanensis) is an Asian bird of the family Dicruridae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the hair-crested drongo. It is endemic to Palawan. It was formerly conspecific with the Hair-crested drongo but was designated as unique based on its different sounding call, physical differences and through molecular studies.

Palawan drongo
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Dicruridae
Genus:	Dicrurus
Species:	D. palawanensis
Binomial name
Dicrurus palawanensis Tweeddale, 1878

Description and taxonomy

Ebird describes it as "A large, stocky drongo endemic to Palawan. Note highly iridescent wings and shiny speckles on the breast and neck, as well as the shallowly forked tail and large, curved bill. Ashy Drongo has a somewhat similar shape, but is paler and more slender overall, lacks prominent iridescence, and has red eyes. Like many other drongos, often selects conspicuous perches in forest and forest edge. Strong, varied song often includes high-pitched whistles and warbles, as well as hoots and grating notes."^[1]

It was formerly conspecific with the Hair-crested drongo species complex which has now been split into 7 different subspecies. Molecular studies have shown that among these, it's most similar to the other Philippine drongos - the Short-tailed drongo and the Balicassiao

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:

• D. p.palawanensis — Found on Palawan, Busuanga, Culion, Balabac Island and Cagayancillo
• D. p. cuyensis — Found on Semirara Island and Cuyo ; Glossier and slightlu larger than nominate

Behaviour and ecology

Not much is known about its diet but it is presumed to be the typical drongo diet of nectar and insects.

It is also presumed to have similar habits to the Hair-crested drongo which lays 3-4 eggs.^[2][3]

Habitat and conservation status

Its habitat is primary lowland forest, second growth and thick scrub up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

It is assessed as least-concern species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature with the population decreasing. Palawan's forests are under threat due to illegal logging, deforestation, land conversion and mining. The whole of Palawan was designated as a Biosphere Reserve; however, protection and enforcement of laws has been difficult and these threats still continue. It occurs in just one protected area in the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.^[4][5]