The coppersmith barbet, also known as the crimson-breasted barbet or coppersmith bird, is a species of barbet found widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent. Its scientific name is Megalaima haemacephala. This medium-sized barbet gets its common name from the distinctive metallic “tuk tuk tuk” call of the male, reminiscent of a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. But is this colorful bird actually rare?
The coppersmith barbet has a fairly wide distribution, being found across much of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar. However, its global population numbers and exact conservation status have not been rigorously quantified. While the coppersmith barbet has a wide range and is reported to be fairly common within parts of that range, it faces threats from habitat loss and degradation. Overall, there is no evidence currently that the species is at immediate risk globally. However, better population monitoring and habitat protection are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic bird.
Distribution and Global Population
The coppersmith barbet has an extensive distribution across southern Asia. According to the Handbook of the Birds of the World, its range stretches across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of Tibet.
Within India, the coppersmith barbet is described as one of the most common barbet species. Its distribution extends across much of the country below the Himalayas, including in habitats from thick forests to agricultural areas and city parks.
In Sri Lanka, the coppersmith barbet is considered a common breeding resident. It is found in forests, gardens and cultivation across the lowlands up to about 1,500 m elevation.
In Nepal, the species is common and widely distributed in the lowlands in the south up to about 1,000 m elevation. It becomes less common further north and west.
In Bhutan, the coppersmith barbet is considered locally fairly common to common between 600-2,100 m elevation. It inhabits broadleaved forests, scrublands and gardens.
In Bangladesh, the bird has been recorded in forests across much of the country up to around 1,000 m elevation. It is described as a resident breeder, but exact population sizes are unknown.
In Myanmar, the coppersmith barbet has been recorded in broadleaved evergreen forest and secondary growth up to 1,400 m elevation. It is considered a generally common resident.
In Pakistan, the coppersmith barbet is found patchily across forested areas, being moderately common in parts of the Punjab province. It becomes rarer further north and west.
In summary, across its wide distributional range in southern Asia, the coppersmith barbet appears to be a relatively widespread and common species. It is mostly described as common, abundant or fairly common within suitable habitats. However, few systematic surveys have been conducted to quantify total population sizes, so estimates remain difficult. The species appears genuinely rare and localized only in peripheral parts of its global range.
Population Threats and Conservation Status
Although the coppersmith barbet has an extensive global range, the species does face a number of threats primarily from habitat loss and degradation.
Across India, many former forest areas have been cleared for timber production or conversion to agricultural land. This habitat loss risks fragmenting barbet populations and reducing connectivity between them. However, the coppersmith barbet has adapted to live in some agricultural and urban areas.
In Sri Lanka, habitat loss poses the largest threat, as natural forests continue to be logged and converted to plantations. This is thought to be leading to some population declines.
In Nepal, the main threats are also habitat loss and fragmentation as forests are cleared. Capture for the pet trade may also impact some populations.
In Myanmar, habitat loss from logging and agricultural expansion has increased in recent decades. The coppersmith barbet’s ability to persist in some degraded habitats helps buffer it from declines.
Pakistan has experienced heavy deforestation, which is reducing available habitat for the species away from irrigated plantations around rivers.
Despite facing localized threats, the coppersmith barbet is currently evaluated as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This indicates it is not considered globally threatened with extinction at present. However, the Red List assessment notes that better monitoring of population trends across its range is needed.
The species is not considered threatened enough to be listed on the Appendices of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. International trade does not seem to be a major threat currently.
So in summary, while the coppersmith barbet appears to remain relatively widespread and common over much of its range, habitat loss is an ongoing threat. We lack robust recent population estimates. Better habitat protection and monitoring of populations will be important conservation measures for this iconic bird. But there is no evidence as yet that it is globally endangered.
Physical Description
The coppersmith barbet is a medium-sized, stocky barbet with distinctive coloration. It measures 18–22 cm (7-9 inches) in length and weighs between 42–82 grams (1.5-3 ounces).
The adult has green upperparts with some blue-green streaking on the back and rump. Its breast is crimson, separated from the green throat by a narrow yellow band. The belly is yellowish-green. The bird has a short square tail and a large conical black bill.
The head pattern is striking, with a black forehead and lores, bordered above by a yellow supercilium. The eye is encircled by an additional narrow blue patch of bare skin.
Males and females look alike. Juveniles have a duller, more olive-colored breast band. The bill of young birds is brownish, becoming black as they mature.
This stocky, short-tailed body shape and brilliant red underpart coloration make the coppersmith barbet an unmistakable bird. It is unlikely to be confused with any other species within its range.
The coppersmith barbet exhibits limited regional variations across its wide distribution. No distinct subspecies are recognized currently. Some minor clinal variation occurs in size, as well as in the depth of crimson on the breast.
Taxonomy
The coppersmith barbet is classified in the bird family Capitonidae, the barbets. This family contains around 86 species of mostly stocky, short-necked birds distributed across the Old World tropics in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Other distinctive members of the Asian barbet family include the great barbet, blue-eared barbet, brown-headed barbet, lineated barbet and gold-whiskered barbet.
The coppersmith barbet was first scientifically described in 1788 by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin. He originally placed it in the genus Bucco and gave it the binomial name Bucco haemacephala. “Haemacephala” derives from the Ancient Greek words “haima” for blood and “kephale” for head – referring to its crimson head coloration.
The species has sometimes been placed in the related Old World barbet genus Megalaima, where it is currently classified as Megalaima haemacephala. Other common names that have been used include crimson-breasted barbet and coppersmith bird.
No distinct subspecies of the coppersmith barbet are recognized at present. Some minor geographic variation occurs across its wide distributional range, but this is considered clinal.
Behavior and Ecology
The coppersmith barbet is a resident, non-migratory species. It generally occurs singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. It is a somewhat arboreal species, spending most of its time perched in trees seeking food. But will also forage on the ground.
Its flight is undulating with rapid wingbeats. The coppersmith barbet can be quite unobtrusive as it sits quietly amidst foliage, but it often reveals its presence with its loud “tuk” call.
It inhabits a range of woodland and forest habitats, including tropical evergreen forest, deciduous woodland, scrub jungle, forest edges, timber plantations, orchards and city parks and gardens. It appears able to adapt to some level of habitat modification.
The coppersmith barbet is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of fruit, berries and insects. It occasionally takes small lizards and flower nectar. Avoir seeds and hard fruits are opened by hammering them against a branch with its strong bill.
During the summer breeding season, the loud “tuk tuk tuk” call of the coppersmith barbet is a familiar and defining sound of the Indian landscape. The male advertises and defends its territory with this repetitive metallic call.
The coppersmith barbet is a cavity nester, nesting in holes bored into the trunks and branches of trees. The entrance is usually high up and is a narrow upright slit about 2 cm wide. The bird excavates its nest with its powerful bill.
The normal clutch is 2-4 eggs. Both sexes help incubate the eggs and feed the young.Pairs may raise multiple broods during the breeding season from March to June.
Status as Pets and in Aviculture
The colorful and vocal coppersmith barbet is sometimes kept as a pet bird or by aviculturalists. However, taking birds from the wild for the pet trade is illegal in many parts of its range.
The coppersmith barbet can adapt to captive life if obtained from reputable breeders. However, it requires a spacious cage enriched with branches and foliage. A varied diet of fruits, vegetables and some insect protein should be provided.
This species can be bred in aviculture. However, there are relatively few records of breeding success. Pairs usually lay 2-4 eggs in a nest box or hollow log provided. The incubation period is around 14 days.
In summations, while striking and vocal, the coppersmith barbet may not be the easiest species to maintain and breed in captivity. For this reason, it remains less common as a cage bird than other Asian barbets like the lineated barbet. Its use as a pet should be carefully regulated due to wild population threats.
Cultural Significance
The coppersmith barbet has rich cultural significance across its Indian range. Its repetitive metallic “tuk-tuk” call is evocative of an artisan hammering copper pots. This has inspired its common name and comparisons in folklore.
To many in India, the coppersmith barbet’s call symbolizes the coming of spring and the arrival of the monsoon rains. Its persistent call is admired for being industrious and optimistic, like an artist immersed happily in song.
The coppersmith barbet features prominently in Urdu poetry from the Indian subcontinent as a herald of spring. Poets such as Muhammad Iqbal have used its energetic call in their verse to signify renewal and devotion.
This species has inspired many common names in regional languages that reference its call. In Bengali it is known as “kwan-kwan pakhi”, while in Telegu it is called “tella pitta” for its coppery sound.
The coppersmith barbet is associated with fertility in Hindu traditions. Its crimson breast color links it to the saffron-robed sannyasis who represent renunciation and spiritual devotion.
This barbet is known as a guardian of groves and gardens for helping to seed new trees. It is considered good fortune if this “celestial gardener” takes up residence in a garden.
So through its metallic calls and optimistic nature, the coppersmith barbet has become a celebrated cultural icon, inspiring poetry, folk stories and religious associations across India. Conserving this bird helps preserve an important part of natural heritage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the coppersmith barbet is a bird with a wide distribution across much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Within this range it is generally described as being relatively common, and it can adapt to some human-altered habitats. However, its populations do face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation in many regions.
This iconic bird has not been globally quantified or monitored enough to determine its current conservation status with certainty. Better surveys and tracking of population trends are needed. There is no evidence though that the coppersmith barbet is immediately threatened or endangered throughout its range. Targeted conservation efforts will help ensure this culturally significant bird remains a prominent fixture in southern Asia for the long term.