The fork-tailed drongo is known for its ability to deceptively mimic other bird alarm calls in order for a certain animal to flee the scene so it can steal their food (kleptoparasitism).

They are also known for their aggressive and fearless behavior, often attacking and driving away much larger animals, including birds of prey, when their nest is in danger.

Due to its extensive range and stable population, the fork-tailed drongo is classified by the IUCN Red List as a least-concern species.

[8][2] Following breeding, adult birds experience a complete molt, usually taking place between December and March in Southern Africa, with varying months in other areas.

The partial post-juvenile molt initiates prior to the growth of new wing and tail feathers following the nesting period.

They exhibit a diverse repertoire of vocalizations, ranging from sharp calls, brief whistles, and squeaks to fluid, raspy, and scratchy notes delivered rapidly or with extended pauses.

Their songs feature soft, high-pitched, nasal, or melodious whistles, chirps, grinding sounds, and liquid chattering.

[12][13] Predominant preyed animals are butterflies, beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, honey bees, moths, termites and weevils, especially common species being the angola white lady, macrotermes natalensis, cyrtacanthacris aeruginosa, and the desert locust.

[13] These birds maintain a commensalist relationship with large mammals, trailing animals such as elephants and giraffes that disturb insects in the vicinity, thereby flushing out potential prey.

[16] Species such as southern pied babblers, sociable weavers, wattled starlings and meerkats, which forage on the ground, are often targeted by fork-tailed's kleptoparasitism.

This behavior arises because drongos lack the necessary morphological adaptations to effectively hunt certain prey that are more nutritious and calorific, hence resorting to kleptoparasitism.

[7][18] Although in doubt, researchers have considered the possibility that these drongos possess a theory of mind, a trait not fully demonstrated in any animal other than humans.

[2][19][20] Approximately a quarter of their food intake is estimated to result from kleptoparasitism, with an additional 10% acquired by capturing prey flushed by associated species.

[13] They exhibit monogamous behavior and are known for their aggressiveness towards other drongos, as well as nest predators like crows, birds of prey, hornbills, shrikes, small mammals, and large snakes.

Nests are usually positioned 2.2 to 17 meters above the ground, constructed between horizontal branches, and feature saucer-shaped structures crafted from plant stems, lichens, small roots, tendrils, and cobwebs.

The fork-tailed drongo faces threats from pesticide use, which diminishes their prey availability, and habitat destruction due to farmland expansion.