Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus)

Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) – A Detailed Study

The Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) is a small, strikingly colored bird belonging to the barbet family, Megalaimidae. This species is well known for its metronomic ‘tuk-tuk’ call, which resembles the sound of a coppersmith striking metal, giving the bird its common name. Found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, this barbet plays a significant ecological role in seed dispersal.

Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Piciformes
• Family: Megalaimidae
• Genus: Psilopogon
• Species: Psilopogon haemacephalus

Previously classified under the genus Megalaima, molecular studies led to its inclusion in Psilopogon, which includes all Asian barbets.

Morphology & Physical Description

The Coppersmith Barbet is a small, plump bird with a brightly colored head and distinct red forehead. Some key morphological features include:

• Size: About 15 cm (5.9 inches) in length
• Weight: Approximately 30-40 grams
• Head & Face: A vivid red forehead and a yellow eye-ring
• Body Plumage: Mostly green, blending well with foliage
• Throat & Breast: Yellow with streaked underparts
• Beak: Short, heavy, and slightly curved, adapted for pecking at wood
• Legs & Feet: Short but strong, adapted for clinging to tree bark

Habitat & Distribution

The Coppersmith Barbet is found across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of China. It inhabits a variety of ecosystems, including:

• Urban Gardens
• Woodlands & Open Forests
• Groves & Orchards
• Mangrove Ecosystems

Presence in Sundarban

The Sundarban, being the largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world, provides a unique ecological setting for various avian species, including the Coppersmith Barbet. While this bird is not exclusive to mangrove habitats, it is found in the higher and drier parts of Sundarban, particularly where:

• Fig trees, fruiting trees, and flowering plants are abundant
• Human settlements exist near forest edges
• Mixed vegetation with tree cavities, which the barbet uses for nesting

The Sundarban’s mosaic of mangrove and terrestrial vegetation makes it a suitable habitat for this species, though it is more common in areas where fruiting trees like Ficus (figs) and berry-bearing plants grow.

Diet & Feeding Behavior

The Coppersmith Barbet is primarily frugivorous but occasionally consumes insects.

Primary Diet:

✔ Fruits (figs, guavas, berries, banyan fruits)
✔ Nectar from flowering plants
✔ Insects (ants, beetles, caterpillars) – occasionally eaten for protein

This species plays a critical role in seed dispersal, aiding the growth of many forest plants.

Nesting & Breeding

The Coppersmith Barbet exhibits monogamous behavior, with both parents contributing to nest-building and chick-rearing.

• Nest Type: Excavates a cavity in tree trunks or dead wood
• Breeding Season: February to September (varies based on region)
• Eggs: 2-4 white eggs laid per clutch
• Incubation Period: About 14 days
• Fledging: Chicks leave the nest in 30-35 days

Due to dense tree coverage and availability of nesting sites in Sundarban, these birds can breed successfully, although their presence is more noticeable in the periphery of the forest rather than in dense mangrove zones.

Unique Features & Behavioral Traits

✅ Signature “Tuk-Tuk” Call: The barbet’s call is repetitive and sounds like a coppersmith hammering metal.
✅ Zygodactyl Feet: Two toes face forward and two backward, aiding in strong grip on tree branches.
✅ Vibrant Plumage: Excellent camouflage among leaves despite bright colors.
✅ Aggressive Defenders: Will aggressively guard nesting sites from other birds.

Conservation Status & Threats

• IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
• Major Threats:
  • Habitat loss due to deforestation
  • Urbanization reducing tree cover
  • Climate change affecting fruiting tree cycles

Protection in Sundarban

The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve offers a relatively stable habitat for this bird. Since the Coppersmith Barbet relies on fruit-bearing trees, conservation efforts focusing on mangrove regeneration and buffer zone afforestation indirectly support their survival.

If you need further insights, visit Wikipedia – here’s the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppersmith_barbet

The Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) is a vital component of India’s avian biodiversity. In Sundarban, it thrives in fringe forest areas, aiding seed dispersal and contributing to ecological balance. While not exclusively a mangrove bird, its presence in Sundarban highlights the diverse range of avifauna found in this dynamic ecosystem.

For birdwatchers and conservationists, protecting fruiting trees and monitoring its population trends will ensure that this vibrant, charismatic bird continues to thrive in Sundarban and beyond.

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