Spangled Drongo

Look and listen for this glossy black bird with a distinctive forked tail perched on exposed branches or wires at woodland edges, farmland and gardens across Australia, New Guinea and parts of Southeast Asia, where it is known for boldly mimicking other birds' calls and even mammal sounds. It is highly aggressive toward larger birds near its nest, often mobbing raptors and crows, which is one of the easiest ways to notice it. Breeding season brings the most vocal mimicry and the boldest territorial displays.