Large kingfisher with a massive lipstick-red bill. Note dark head, dark chestnut throat and chest, purplish body, electric blue wings, and large black shoulder patch. Bright white wing patches revealed in flight. Uses a variety of both wet and dry lowland and foothill habitats, including ponds, mangroves, agricultural fields, open forest, and scrub. Can be close to human habitation. Gives high piping screams, often in series.