The Coppersmith Barbet is a well-known bird with a strikingly patterned face and neck. Its unique cry resembles the sound of a coppersmith hammering metal. Other common names for this bird include the crimson-breasted barbet and the coppersmith barbet, and it measures just 17 cm in length, making it larger than an Asian barbet but still smaller than a sparrow. With its vibrant green upperparts and yellowish underparts striped with black and grey, it’s hard to miss this chubby bird with a short neck and a big head. Additionally, it has a red head, red neck patch, yellow cheeks, and yellow throat, making it a truly vividly coloured bird.
The young ones of this bird species are devoid of any color. They can be found residing in the Palni Hills, Western Ghats, outer Himalayas, and other parts of Southeast Asia throughout the year.
The Coppersmith Barbet is quite the nature lover as it chooses to reside in gardens, groves, and places with just a few trees spread out throughout its surroundings. This bird species has a diverse palate and enjoys snacking on wild figs, berries, and even insects occasionally. When it comes to laying their eggs, these birds work together as both the male and female dig a hole within a trunk of a tree or limb. Their breeding season spans from December to September, where they lay about two to four eggs which take around 12 to 14 days to incubate. Both parents share the responsibility of feeding their young ones who are capable of flying on their own after five weeks.
The coppersmith barbet is becoming increasingly popular and widespread due to its ability to thrive in human-made habitats. It has adapted well and is flourishing in such areas.
