Coppersmith Barbet
About the Coppersmith Barbet in Singapore
Last updated 29 May 2026
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The Coppersmith Barbet (Psilopogon haemacephalus) is a small, vibrant, and highly vocal bird. Remarkably, it is Singapore's only native, urban-dwelling barbet, thriving in our parks, open woodlands, and mature residential estates rather than deep within the closed-canopy forests.
Identifying features
Check out some identifying features of the Coppersmith Barbet!
The Coppersmith Barbet features crimson-red patches on its forehead and upper breast, alongside a bright yellow throat and patches around its eyes that are separated by a distinct black eye-stripe. Its pale green or whitish underparts are heavily marked with dark green or black streaks. It is worth noting that juveniles appear much duller and completely lack the bright red patches characteristic of the adults.
Interested to learn more about how to identify Garden Birds? Check out our simple guide on identifying Garden Birds!
Habitat and ecology
They are primary cavity nesters, meaning both the male and female use their stout beaks to chisel out their own nesting and roosting holes in the dead or decaying branches of urban trees. They are largely frugivorous, feasting heavily on the fruits of wild fig trees (Ficus), though they will actively catch flying insects like termites to feed their growing chicks.
Did you know?
It gets its name from its incredibly distinct, monotonous call! During the heat of the day, it puffs out its throat and emits a repetitive, metallic "tonk... tonk... tonk..." that sounds exactly like a coppersmith striking a sheet of metal with a hammer.
Join us at Garden Bird Watch!
Enjoy birdwatching, or interested to learn more about the ones you see in our parks and gardens? Join us for the Garden Bird Watch to collect valuable data about garden birds, which contributes to their conservation.
Learn more about the Coppersmith Barbet!
Curious about the Coppersmith Barbet? Here are some interesting articles you can read to learn more about them.
