The coppersmith barbet is a small bird named for its tuk-tuk call which resembles the sound of a person striking a piece of copper with a hammer, usually repeated over a period of time. A primarily green bird, the coppersmith barbet can be identified from the bright red patch on its forehead and throat. Other distinguishing features are its streaked underside and light yellow eye-ring and throat area. The coppersmith barbet is primarily frugivorous and can be found feeding on fruiting Ficus trees in the secondary forests on the ridge.