Predation on small passerines by the Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus Open Access

The Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus, a partly-migratory passerine, was observed in bushland remnants in southern Sydney. Here, we report two incidents of Spangled Drongos hunting and feeding on small passerines from mixed flocks. One was seen chasing a Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus, consuming much of the carcass in 17 minutes. Another was seen ambushing a Brown Gerygone Gerygone mouki from a hunting perch. Interesting insights include proceeding to pluck feathers before the prey was dead and ingesting some of the feathers.