Wildlifeof Sri Lanka
Coppersmith Barbet
Barbets & Woodpeckers
Photo: Roland Godon · CC BY 4.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Psilopogon haemacephalus
Basic stats
Diet
Mostly fruit; also insects, especially winged termites
Range
Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia
Size
15-17cm
Weight
30-52.6g
The coppersmith barbet, also called the crimson-breasted barbet, is an Asian barbet known for a metronomic call like a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. It is a resident of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is 15 to 17 cm long and weighs 30 to 52.6 g, green with a red forehead and throat, yellow cheeks and throat and grey-and-black streaked underparts (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is mainly a fruit eater but has been seen taking insects, especially winged termites, and it carves out a hole in a tree for its nest. Feather wear in the nesting season can make the upper back look bluish. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012, listed as Megalaima haemacephala).
Quick answers
- What does the Coppersmith Barbet eat?
- Mostly fruit; also insects, especially winged termites
- Where is the Coppersmith Barbet found?
- Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia
- How big is the Coppersmith Barbet?
- 15-17cm
- How much does the Coppersmith Barbet weigh?
- 30-52.6g