Drongos (Dicruridae)

Sri Lanka Crested Drongo (Dicrurus lophorinus) - HBW 14, p. 212

French: Drongo drongup German: Regendrongo Spanish: Drongo Cingalés
Other common names: Ceylon Black-crested Drongo, Ceylon Crested (Black) Drongo

Taxonomy: Dicrurus lophorinus Vieillot, 1817, Sri Lanka.
Has in the past been placed in monospecific Dissemurulus, or in Dissemuroides. May form a superspecies with D. paradiseus; often treated as conspecific, but differs in tail morphology and probably in voice. Molecular-genetic studies required in order to elucidate taxonomic status. Few intergrades with race ceylonicus of D. paradiseus formerly reported along border between wet and dry zones, but interbreeding not now possible, since suitable habitat no longer remains between the two ecological zones, now completely separated. Monotypic.

Distribution: Wet zone of SW Sri Lanka: from R Deduru Oya (in N) S to R Walawe (in SW).