Sabbatical @ Happy Valley

This blog was originally set up to share our sabbatical (07-08) in State College, USA - otherwise known as "Happy Valley". "Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent and praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Phip 4:8)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Greater Racquet-tailed Drongo

The most conspicuous and well-known drongo is all the biggest in the region and the most spectacular. Glossy black bird with red eye, large size and somewhat rounded crown.

S'pore Botanic Gardens

Tailed forked not square, the two outer feathers having elongated bare shafts (up to 25 com) and large rounded and twisted racquets. Many birds have one or both racquets broken off, but traces of elongated broken shafts are usually visible, and large size, profile and forked tail without any upturning at tips are then distinctive.

Bt Timah Nature Reserves

Calls frequently, giving a variety of harsh and bubbling, bell-like notes, including good imitations of many other birds. Found in lowland forest, plantations, secondary growth. I have seen this bird in several places in Singapore, notably in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and the Southern Ridges.