— . -^..^ ^.. „^ 



§ M f4 ^-^ # ?"'] 



(9) BLACK DRONGO {Fig. 11) 

 DicyurPis ater. Length 12 inches. 



Bill black, at base wide and with stiff bristles. Legs short and black. 

 Iris red. 



Plumage. (Adult). Shiny black all over. Tail well forked. Young 

 are dull black, with under parts washed with white. 



Characteristics. The Drongocs are insect-egting birds and are often; 

 seen taking their food on the wing. Their song is not loud but at times, 

 very sweet. They are' found in the bird markets, especially in summer. 



Distribution. All China, migrating north aud arriving at Peiping 

 about May iSth, leaving again in September. 



(Note), The Hairy-crested Drongo, Chibia hottentotta breviros- 

 tris {Fig. 12), is rarer and the distinguishing feature is its larger size, 

 lanceolate feathers on neck with metallic reflection, horse hair crest, and 

 more curling outer tail feathers. 



Dicrurus leucogenys, The White-cheeked Drongo, is very conv 

 raon in Fukien throughout the summer. With the exception of the cheeks, 

 which are white, the entire body is a solid ashy-grey color, making the 

 bird easy to identify. The tail is long and forked. 



The birds has the typical fly-catcher habit of darting forth from a 

 limb and catching its prey in mid-air. 



The nest is placed astraddle of a pine bow, usually in a fork, high 

 above the ground. 



(9) m^mm^-m) 



M ^- to: 5P * fe. 



(36) 



