Least Concern — fairly widespread but local and dependent on intact forest streams.

16–18 cm in length; a small, compact kingfisher with deep cobalt-blue upperparts, bright orange underparts, and distinctive dark blue ear coverts. Smaller and darker than Common Kingfisher.

Resident species in most of its range; no major long-distance migration.

Non-migratory, though may show minor local dispersal.

Usually March to July, varying with region and rainfall.

Nests in burrows excavated in shaded stream banks or forest earth banks; clutch usually 3–6 eggs; both parents share incubation and feeding.

Prefers shaded forest streams, small rivers, mangroves, and dense evergreen or moist deciduous forests; strongly associated with undisturbed watercourses.

Feeds mainly on small fish, aquatic insects, crustaceans, and occasionally tadpoles; hunts from low perches over water.