The Coppersmith Barbet (Megalaima haemacephala), also known as
Crimson-breasted Barbet or simply Coppersmith, has a length of 16-17 cm,
crimson forehead and throat, yellow eye-ring, a throat patch with streaked
underside, green upperparts, and pink legs and feet. The species is a resident
breeder in South and Southeast Asia and is generally seen in pairs or small
flocks in sparse woodland, groves and gardens. Its presence can be easily known
by the constant metallic loud call “tuk…tuk…tuk” that it makes, but the bird is
often difficult to see hidden as it remains in the tree-top. It chisels out a
hole high in a tree trunk to build its nest and lay eggs. It is the official
bird of Mumbai, India.
