Dicruridae is a family of birds commonly known as drongos. It is spelled "dɪˈkruːrɪdaɪ" in IPA phonetic transcription, which breaks down into several distinct sounds. The "d" is pronounced with the tongue touching the upper teeth, followed by a short "i" sound as in "kit." The "kru" sound is pronounced with the back of the tongue touching the soft palate. The word ends with a long "aɪ" sound as in "slide." Overall, the spelling accurately reflects the sounds of this unique and interesting bird family.
Dicruridae is a taxonomic family of passerine birds commonly known as drongos. They are distributed throughout the Old World, predominantly in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australasia. The family encompasses around 30 species, all characterized by their relatively small size, sleek bodies, and long forked tails.
Drongos typically measure between 20 to 40 centimeters in length, with males and females having similar appearances. They exhibit a diverse range of plumage colors, including glossy black, dark blue, and metallic green, often adorned with patches of iridescence or bright spots. Moreover, they have robust bills and strong, hooked beaks that facilitate their insectivorous diet, feeding on a wide assortment of insects and other small invertebrates.
Dicruridae species are renowned for their vocal abilities and are among the most accomplished mimics in the avian world. They utilize a diverse repertoire of calls and songs, incorporating both original sounds and imitations of other bird species. Furthermore, they possess remarkable aerial agility, showing exceptional maneuverability and skills in capturing prey during flight.
Overall, dicruridae, or drongos, are a fascinating family of birds with their distinctive appearance, captivating vocalizations, and specialized feeding behavior. Their presence in various ecosystems contributes to the balance of insect populations while adding beauty and diversity to avian communities in the regions they inhabit.
The word "Dicruridae" is derived from the scientific name of the family of passerine birds known as the Dicruridae. The family name comes from the genus name "Dicrurus", which is a combination of two Greek words: "di", meaning "double", and "koura", meaning "tail". This refers to the characteristic feature of these birds having long, forked or double-tailed feathers. The suffix "-idae" indicates that it is a taxonomic family name, commonly used in biology to denote a family level classification.