Funny Bird
By mivarg
@mivarg (277)
India
May 16, 2007 2:36am CST
This is a funny bird I came across in my garden. There are two pairs of them. They can sing in many tones and tunes. They are the greatest mimics I have ever seen. They imitate the sounds of all other birds and even squirrels and tease them constantly. I guess I should consider these as the clowns among birds. I found out the name of these birds- it is 'greater rattke-tailed drongo'. It is a heavenly sight to see them fly, with those long tails dragging gracefully befind them. The only problem with them is that, once they are in the mood to sing and show their ability to mimic, there's nothing that can stop them! I have even tried to make some complex sounds to tease them, and to my surprise, they have learnt to imitate them as well. I felt so fortunate to get one of them photographed in its own way of sober mood. They are mentioned in the books as 'confirmed exhibitionists'. Have you come across these anywhere?
4 people like this
4 responses
@budsr03 (2350)
• Canada
16 May 07
This is the first time i have seen and heard about such a unique bird! Are they common in India? In Canada we don't have this wonderful bird, it's so interesting especially the sounds you speak of. I hope i get to see more images of these birds! Take care Mivarg.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
16 May 07
Now this is an amzaing sounding bird from your description. I'd love to see and hear one personally too. I bet my Beagle Buster would get them to shut up. Hahahaha. This photo shows him howling at the air. LOL. That tail looks absolutely stunning. It would be a sight to see this bird flying with that additional plummage on the tail feathers. Thanks for this discussion also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
@mivarg (277)
• India
16 May 07
These birds don't just shut up. if you dog barks at them, I guess they will fly in a circle over him and even try to imitate his barking....hehehehehe. I wish I could upload more pictures of this bird, but I don't see any option for that. may be I need to reach 500 response mark for that.
1 person likes this
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
16 May 07
The bird that you are describing sounds beautiful. We don’t have the 'greater rattke-tailed drongo' around here where I live We have one here that mimics too. It is called the mocking bird. They mimic many sound. I have heard them mimic cat and dog as well as other birds. They can be vicious little things to. I once saw them attack a telephone repair man on the pole. During nest season they will dive bomb cats that are just walking across the yard. They are fun to watch when they are competing for a mate too. Here are some videos for you to see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St8vg8vhkyA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wufhuUCO5Bk&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovOwDagd-kU&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St8vg8vhkyA
1 person likes this
@mivarg (277)
• India
16 May 07
Thanks for the message. I just realised that I made a mistake in spelling the name of the bird. It is 'Greater Rattle-Tailed Drongo'. There are many varieties of drongos I guess, the ones that are common arethe ones who look exactly the same, minus the extra two feathers that hang down its tail.And, they are not interested in singing too much or mimicking. I have heard of the mocking bird earlier. Thanks for the videos. I loved them!
1 person likes this
