Small, rather dark kingfisher. Male is highly distinctive, with a broad blue-green band across a white chest. Female is very different, with an all-orange belly; distinguished from Common Kingfisher by overall duller, darker coloration and the lack of a bright white-and-orange patch behind the eye. Hunts along fast-flowing forested streams from lowlands into foothills. Gives a piercing call similar to that of Common Kingfisher.