A distinctive large kingfisher of lowland forest. Black cap, white collar, blue wing and rump, and rufous belly. Found in the understorey where it scans for its prey of lizards and insects. Superficially similar to the much rarer Shovel-billed Kookaburra, but Rufous-bellied Kookaburra has a blue rather than brown wing, and a longer, paler bill. Several different vocalizations. Call, a repeated, harsh, loud “rek!” note given while flicking its tail slightly; and a hollow rolling call given whilst lifting its tail right up.