# Ashy Drongo

> Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus). Ashy drongos vary across populations in grey tone and movement; photographs and dates improve the interpretation of sightings.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dicrurus-leucophaeus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/dicrurus-leucophaeus/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Ashy Drongo (*Dicrurus leucophaeus*) is a bird in the family Dicruridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Dicrurus leucophaeus* |
| Indonesian name | Srigunting kelabu |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Observation records | Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 4,409 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9600020) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |

## What is the Ashy Drongo?

Ashy Drongo refers to Dicrurus leucophaeus, in the genus Dicrurus, family Dicruridae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9600020)

## What is known about the Ashy Drongo?

Ashy drongos vary across populations in grey tone and movement; photographs and dates improve the interpretation of sightings.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicrurus%20leucophaeus)

## How many Indonesian records name the Ashy Drongo?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,409 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9600020&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9600020&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Ashy Drongo?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Ashy Drongo with Hair-crested Drongo, Barn Swallow, Brown Honeyeater. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Ashy Drongo

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | *Dicrurus* |
| Species | *Dicrurus leucophaeus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Ashy Drongo

### What is the scientific name of the Ashy Drongo?

The scientific name of the Ashy Drongo is *Dicrurus leucophaeus*, in the family Dicruridae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Srigunting kelabu.

### What kind of animal is the Ashy Drongo?

The Ashy Drongo is a bird in the family Dicruridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore).

### Where does the Ashy Drongo live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Ashy Drongo summarised in this guide mainly come from Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sumatra. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Ashy Drongo eat?

The Ashy Drongo is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228).

### How does the Ashy Drongo reproduce?

The Ashy Drongo reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the Ashy Drongo nocturnal?

The cited source records the Ashy Drongo as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Ashy Drongo?

Scientific classification of the Ashy Drongo: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Dicruridae, genus *Dicrurus*, species *Dicrurus leucophaeus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Ashy Drongo endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Ashy Drongo is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9600020), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Ashy Drongo is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9600020)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9600020&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/8264)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicrurus%20leucophaeus)
5. [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228)
6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
7. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Hair-crested Drongo](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dicrurus-hottentottus/)
- [Barn Swallow](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hirundo-rustica/)
- [Brown Honeyeater](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lichmera-indistincta/)
- [Black-naped Monarch](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hypothymis-azurea/)
- [White-headed Munia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-maja/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Ashy Drongo. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dicrurus-leucophaeus/