Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status NT
Loss of lowland forest in Sumatra has been extensive due to both regulated and illegal logging, and also conversion to agriculture.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Sumatran Drongo (Dicrurus sumatranus) [XC56934]
by Desmond Allen from , Indonesia (song)
Sumatran Drongo (Dicrurus sumatranus) [XC79420]
by Mike Nelson from , Indonesia (call)
Subspecies
Formerly considered conspecific with Hair-crested Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) and they may form a superspecies with Tablas Drongo (Dicrurus menagei), Sulawesi Drongo (Dicrurus montanus), Wallacean Drongo (Dicrurus densus), Balicassiao (Dicrurus balicassius), Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus) and Ribbon-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus megarhynchus). DNA studies required in order to clarify taxonomic position and relationships.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
sumatranus Ramsay, 1880 - Highlands of Sumatra (Batak Highlands and Barisan Range, from Aceh south to Mt Kaba, in Bengkulu).
viridinitens (Salvadori, 1894) - Mentawai Is (Siberut, Sipura, northern and southern Pagai), off western Sumatra.