Nine subspecies of the Coppersmith Barbet are recognised.
These can be divided into two basic groups: Five subspecies have yellow around the eyes and throat; four subspecies have red around the eyes and throat.
Subspecies Megalaima haemacephala rosea having the red face is found in Java and Bali.

Menjangan Resort area, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia, 21 October 2011