Delicious Drongo makes unlikely snack

Despite the cold weather, Kwandwe continues to reward us with amazing and unique sightings. We often see Fork-Tailed Drongos hunting insects. We recently spent a great time watching various birds slurping up flying termites as they emerged from a nest near the river. As the Crowned Hornbills, Grey-Headed Kingfishers, Glossy Starlings and African Hoopoes darted after the Termites, the cheeky Drongos swept in and stole their prey. We also see these birds following all sorts of game, picking up insects as they are disturbed by the hooves and movement of these animals. Recently we saw one of these birds push things too far when it darted around a young male Lion, fresh from a Wildebeest feast, and plucked various juicy bugs right from under the Lions feet. The young Lion was striding towards some females and bellowing an almighty proclamation of his dominance when suddenly and all-too nonchalantly his swung his front paw down on top of the Drongo, and in one smooth movement, swept it up into his open jaws. He barely chewed, swallowed and continued walking and calling. One black feather sticking out of his mouth, the only evidence of this unlikely snack.

Posted: Kwandwe by Toast Seagers, Date: 28 June 2008