Distinguishing features

The adult has a purple-blue back, black head and shoulders, white neck collar and throat, and rufous underparts. The large bill and legs are bright red. In flight, large white patches are visible on the blue and black wings. Sexes are similar, but juveniles are a duller version of the adult. (Wikipedia)

Size

Wingspan

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

It is a tree kingfisher which is widely distributed in tropical Asia from India east to China, Korea and Southeast Asia. This most northerly of the Halcyonidae is resident over much of its range, but northern populations are migratory and the wintering range extends to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Borneo and Java.

This is a common species on coastal waters especially in mangroves. Although easily disturbed, it perches conspicuously on wires or other exposed perches. (Wikipedia)

Diet

This species mainly hunts large insects, but coastal birds will also take fish and frogs. (Wikipedia)

Web resources