“Drongo”. What a weird name for a bird. Add “Spangled” and it sounds as if you’re about to encounter a clown. I’ve only spotted a Spangled Drongo once before, and that was up in Queensland. A few days ago, while walking in the bush near Sydney, I heard an unusual sound. A deep, slow chattering. The bird in question was perched high on a dead tree:

Just look at that forked tail, strong beak, and keen eye. An unusual bird indeed, and quite large at 30 centimetres or more from head to tail.

In Australia if someone calls you a “drongo”, it’s a bit of an insult. It means they think you’re not all that bright.

Common name: Spangled Drongo
Scientific name: Dicrurus bracteatus
Approximate length: 30 cm
Date spotted: 25 May 2021 (autumn)
Location: Manly Dam Park, New South Wales, Australia: 33°47’02.2″S 151°15’16.2″E