- general description
- appearance
- the coppersmith barbet is a small to medium-sized bird with vibrant and colorful plumage.
- it has a distinctive red forehead and throat, which are the most striking features.
- the face and underparts are yellow, with green streaks on the breast and flanks.
- the upperparts are green, and the bird has a thick, black beak and red eye-rings.
- size
- measures about 17-20 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 30-44 grams.
- behavior
- known for its repetitive and metallic “tuk-tuk-tuk” call, resembling the sound of a coppersmith striking metal, hence its name.
- often seen solitary or in pairs, foraging in trees for fruits and insects.
- uses its strong beak to excavate nest holes in tree trunks and branches.
- habitat
- range
- widely distributed across south and southeast asia, including india, sri lanka, bangladesh, myanmar, thailand, laos, cambodia, vietnam, malaysia, indonesia, and the philippines.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of environments including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas.
- often found in areas with abundant fruiting trees.
- diet
- primarily frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits and berries.
- also consumes insects and other small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season.
- breeding
- nesting
- excavates nest cavities in dead or decaying trees, often choosing a site with soft wood.
- the nest is typically a simple hole without additional lining.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies across its range but generally occurs during the warm months when food is abundant.
- female lays 2-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 13-15 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the coppersmith barbet’s distinctive call is a common sound in its habitat and is often used to locate the bird.
- its role in seed dispersal is crucial for maintaining the health and diversity of its forest ecosystem, as it spreads the seeds of the fruits it eats.
- the coppersmith barbet is highly adaptable and thrives in both natural and urban environments, making it a familiar sight in many areas.