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Common Name : Crimson-breasted Barbet     -       Scientific Name : Megalaima haemacephala       -       Other Name : Coppersmith Barbet (E), Mal Kottoruwa (S)
Radagama
04/22/2016
Radagama
04/22/2016

This is a breeding resident species found mainly in the dry lowlands and the dry Uva hills of the country. Small populations are found in the wet zone areas as well. This bird has been named after its characteristic call, which is similar to a Coppersmith in the striking metal with a hammer. This active little bird is native to the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

The Coppersmith is very easy to record and observe due to its unmistakable call. I have seen this species throughout the dry lowlands and in the mid hills. In the north I found it to be common in the Jaffna Peninsula and in the Mannar Island.
The highest altitude at which I have seen it is at 1441 meters in Haputale. I have also seen it at Bandarawela at 1316 meters. In the wet zone I have seen it at Randenigala, Belihuloya, Teldeniya, Yapahuwa and at Haldummulla.

In Wilpattu it’s a very common species and its call can be heard throughout the day. I once observed the mating behavior of this bird at Pimburellagama tank on the borders of Wilpattu. The male will pursue the female with a gift of fruit in its beak and feeds her before mating.