The hair-crested drongo that was sighted at the foothills of Manjamalai near Palamedu in Madurai district recently. Photo: Special Arrangement
For the first time, a hair-crested drongo was sighted at the foothills of Manjamalai near Palamedu in Madurai district on February 8, 2026. It was recorded by a team from Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation who are in the process of compiling the biodiversity register of Madurai district.
Dr. Haemoglobin, an ophthalmologist by profession but also a birder and a wildlife photographer, along with Bala Krishna, who were part of the team, say that the bird may have migrated from the Himalayan region or North East India.
These birds usually migrate to the southern part of India during winter. As they are rarely seen in the foothills and plains, this sighting in Madurai gains much importance.
A few years ago, a hair-crested drongo was documented by ornithologist Dr. Badri Naryanana in Karandamalai region of Dindigul.
The species has a glossy black body and has long, thin hair-like feathers on its forehead, which is its distinctive feature and its tail is deeply forked. It is a noisy bird and has an insectivorous diet.
Members of the Madurai Nature Cultural Foundation say that documentation of this rare bird will provide data for ornithologists and conservationists and help in monitoring their habitat and migration patterns.
Published – February 12, 2026 06:27 pm IST
