A large red-eyed, glossy-black bird with a heavy bill and diagnostic tail shape. Tail is fanned at the tip and shallowly forked, the outer tail feathers often broad-tipped and slightly upturned. Juvenile has brown eyes. Singles, pairs, or groups can be found in varied habitats from sea level to foothills, including mangroves, forests, woodlands, and plantations, typically perching high. The only drongo in its range, this species can be told from crows by its red eyes and its tail shape. A noisy, vocal bird with highly varied calls, including metallic fluty notes, guttural “grrt” notes, and upslurred “weeeet” whistles.