The coppersmith barbet, also called crimson-breasted barbet and coppersmith, is an Asian barbet with crimson forehead and throat, known for its metronomic call that sounds similar to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. It is a resident bird in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It carves out holes inside a tree to build its nest. It is predominantly frugivorous, but has been observed eating insects, especially winged termites.
Region
South Asia and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and into parts of mainland Southeast Asia. It favors open woodlands, groves, gardens, and urban parks with abundant fruiting trees, especially figs. The species adapts well to human-altered landscapes, using avenues and orchards as foraging habitat. It avoids dense, closed-canopy forest but is common in mixed and secondary growth. Nests are typically in soft or decaying wood within tree trunks or thick branches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for its steady, hammer-like 'tuk-tuk' call, the coppersmith barbet often calls for long periods from an exposed perch. It excavates its own nest cavity in dead branches or soft wood, with both sexes participating. Highly tolerant of humans, it thrives in gardens, orchards, and city parks. It frequently feeds on figs and helps disperse seeds across urban and rural landscapes.
Juvenile coppersmith barbet in Kolkata
Coppersmith barbet in Queen Sirikit Park
Coppersmith barbet at Gujarat refinery township Vadodara
Coppersmith barbet in Delhi
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
undulating flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or small groups around fruiting trees. Both sexes excavate nest cavities and share incubation and chick rearing. They roost in tree holes, sometimes reusing or expanding nest cavities.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, metronomic 'tuk-tuk-tuk' that can continue for minutes, resembling a coppersmith hammering metal. Calls are given from prominent perches and often intensify during the breeding season.
