Spangled Drongo
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[Photo] Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus) in Cairns. Photo by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Lepidlizard License: public domain.

The Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus) is a bird of the family Dicruridae.

The Spangled Drongo is the only Drongo to be found in Australia. "Drongo" is Australian slang for "idiot", possibly referring to the bird's uninhibited and sometimes comical behaviour as it swoops and perches in search of insects.

Whilst this bird is often silent, it sometimes makes astonishingly loud, complex and entertaining calls.

The most remarkable characteristic of its appearance is its tail, which is described by Morcombe as "long, outcurved and forked" and on first examination looks like its feathers are crossed over - like crossing your fingers.

Its basically black plumage is iridiscent with blue and purple highlights. When it - seasonally - visits urban areas it is easily tamed by throwing small pieces of raw meat into the air, when it will accurately swoop and catch them mid-air.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spangled_Drongo

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