Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) तम्बत, छोटा बसन्ता

Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) तम्बत, छोटा बसन्ता - Birds Around Me 0033

- June 18, 2025

Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) तम्बत, छोटा बसन्ता
Jabalpur, M.P., India

The Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus), also known as तम्बत or छोटा बसन्ता, is a small, colorful bird found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is famous for its metronomic call, which resembles the sound of a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer.

Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) तम्बत, छोटा बसन्ता
Jabalpur, M.P., India
April 2025

Physical Description

Size: About 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length.

Weight: Between 30–52.6 g (1.06–1.86 oz).

Coloration: Green body with a crimson forehead and throat, yellow cheeks, and a yellow throat. Its underparts are streaked in grey and black.

Habitat & Behavior

Nesting: It carves out holes inside trees to build its nest.

Diet: Predominantly frugivorous, but it also eats insects, especially winged termites.

Call: Its rhythmic call is a distinctive feature, often heard in urban and forested areas

The Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) तम्बत, छोटा बसन्ता stands out among barbet species due to its distinctive call, which resembles a coppersmith hammering metal. Compared to other barbets, it has a smaller size (15–17 cm) and a more urban-friendly habitat, often seen in gardens and city parks.

Comparison with Other Barbets

Golden-throated Barbet (Psilopogon franklinii): Found in northeast India, this species has a yellow-orange throat patch and prefers dense forests.
Blue-eared Barbet (Psilopogon cyanotis): Recognized by its blue ear patches, it inhabits tropical forests and is more elusive than the Coppersmith Barbet.
Brown-headed Barbet (Psilopogon zeylanicus): Larger than the Coppersmith Barbet, with a brown head and a preference for fruiting trees in forests