A uniquely large-headed, long-billed, short-tailed bird of watersides, smaller than most people imagine. Typically seen flying low and fast over water, giving sharp call, when electric-blue rump most obvious; far less conspicuous when perched.

Despite its genuinely vivid and beautiful colouring, the Kingfisher can be surprisingly easy to miss. It likes to perch in the dappled shade of low, overhanging vegetation, where it can be virtually invisible against a background of yellowing leaves or reeds and sparkling or dark, rippled water. It is shy, but occasionally lets itself be watched at very close range.