Which among the following birds impersonates the calls of other birds...
- Drongos frequently attack much larger birds e.g. hawks and crows) that might hurt their eggs or young; innocuous birds nest near drongos to gain protection.
- Most drongos are 18 to 63.5 cm (7 to 25 inches) long and glossy black.
- Drongos range from Africa to Central Asia, Australia, and western Pacific islands, inhabiting forests, open country, and gardens.
- One of the most common birds of southern Asia is the 33-cm (13-inch) black drongo, also called king crow because it can intimidate the true crow.
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Which among the following birds impersonates the calls of other birds...
Drongo
Drongos are known for their impressive mimicry skills, especially when it comes to impersonating the calls of other birds to steal food. Here's how they do it:
- Mimicry: Drongos have the ability to mimic the calls of other bird species with great accuracy. They use this skill to deceive other birds into believing that a predator is nearby, causing them to flee and leave their food unattended.
- Stealing food: Once the other birds have abandoned their food, the drongo swoops in and snatches it for itself. This behavior is known as kleptoparasitism, where one animal steals food from another.
- Strategic behavior: Drongos are not only skilled mimics but also highly intelligent. They are known to vary their calls based on the type of bird they are trying to deceive, increasing their chances of success in stealing food.
- Adaptation: This behavior of mimicking calls to steal food has evolved as a survival strategy for drongos. By taking advantage of the alarm calls of other birds, they are able to access food sources that they may not be able to obtain on their own.
In conclusion, the drongo's ability to impersonate the calls of other birds is a remarkable adaptation that helps them thrive in their environment by outsmarting other species and securing food for themselves.