A brilliantly colored, tiny forest kingfisher with a coral-red dagger bill. It has a dark blue back and wings and pale orange underparts. Crown is fuschia-red, with a dark spot on the forehead and blue and white patches on the side of the neck. Chin and throat are white. Found along drying hill streams, and often away from water sources. Flight is swift and direct, as the bird expertly maneuvers through thick vegetation. Gives piercing high, thin calls, often when in flight.

Distributed from Africa and southern Europe through West Asia to South Asia. Very large, with long, “coat hanger” neck, big kinked bill, and very long pinkish legs. Plumage at rest whitish with pale pink blush and some deep pink often visible on closed wings. Flies with long neck and legs extended, when deep pink-and-black wing pattern striking.