A small but striking bird found across much of South and Southeast Asia, and it’s one of those species that you’re more likely to hear before you see. Its name comes from its unique call—a metallic “tuk-tuk-tuk” sound that repeats like the rhythmic hammering of a coppersmith working on metal. This constant, bell-like call often echoes through gardens, parks, and woodlands, giving the bird an almost mechanical presence in the landscape.
Visually, the Coppersmith barbet is just as distinctive. It sports a bright red forehead and throat patch, a streaked greenish-yellow body, and bold yellow eye-rings, making it look like a jewel perched among the leaves. Despite these vibrant colors, it can still be surprisingly hard to spot because it spends most of its time high up in the canopy, blending in with the greenery. Its compact size and chunky, curved beak are classic barbet features, built for munching on its favorite foods: fruits, especially figs, as well as the occasional insect.
What sets the Coppersmith barbet apart from many other small birds is its busy, almost nonstop lifestyle. It is constantly calling, foraging, and hopping about branches. During the breeding season, it becomes a true carpenter, chiseling small holes in tree trunks or even dead branches to create its nest cavities. Both male and female take part in hollowing out the nest, a process that can look comically industrious as the little bird hammers away at wood far larger than itself. Once the chicks hatch, the parents share feeding duties, bringing in soft fruits and insects until the young are ready to fledge.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Cambodia
China
India
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Philippines
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Thailand
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Frugivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
