Psilopogon haemacephalus
The Coppersmith Barbet, Psilopogon haemacephalus, is a captivating member of the Asian barbet family, Megalaimidae, renowned for its distinctive, metallic 'tok-tok-tok' call that strikingly resembles a coppersmith hammering. This small, stocky bird, typically measuring 15-17 cm in length and weighing 30-50g, boasts a vibrant plumage primarily of emerald green, providing excellent camouflage amidst tropical foliage. Key identification marks include a brilliant scarlet forehead and breast patch...
Found in tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests, open woodlands, gardens, and urban parks, typically at low to mid-elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for figs and various berries, supplemented by a significant intake of insects such as termites, caterpillars, and winged ants.
Coppersmith Barbets are diurnal, generally solitary or found in pairs, often roosting in tree cavities at night. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning fruits and insects from the canopy, utilizing their stout bills to pluck berries or snap up invertebrates. They are highly territori...
The Coppersmith Barbet has an extensive breeding range spanning across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, where it is largely a resident, non-migratory species. Its distribution stretches from the lower Himalayan foothills in Nepal and northern India, through central and southern India, ...
Least Concern
- The Coppersmith Barbet's distinctive call, a rapid 'tok-tok-tok,' is one of the most recognizable sounds in its range, earning it its common name for its resemblance to a hammer striking metal. - Despite its bright colors, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot in dense foliage due to its exc...