Coppersmith Barbet

(Psilopogon haemacephalus)

Identification : This is a small barbet species with a wide distribution and a charming appearance. It has streaks on its belly and a colorful face: a bright red forehead, yellow markings around the eyes, a yellow throat, and a black stripe across the eye and nape. A vivid red band also crosses the chest.

Females are slightly duller in color, with a smaller red chest band that is tinged with yellow. Juveniles lack the red markings on the body and have faint streaks on the neck.

Populations in Sumatra, Nusa Tenggara, and central Philippines have a more reddish and blackish face. The bird is more often heard than seen, known for its resonant call tunk-tunk-tunk which sounds like a metalworkers hammer.

It inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, and public parks in lowlands up to foothills. In the Philippines and Indonesia, it may also be found at higher elevations.