This species is about 15.5–16 cm long, making it slightly smaller than the common kingfisher. It closely resembles the common kingfisher but is darker, with blue ear-coverts and richer rufous underparts. Key features include deep cobalt-blue upperparts, blue ear-coverts, and rich rufous underparts. Adult males have an entirely dark bill, while females show a reddish lower mandible, and juveniles have rufous ear-coverts and a more reddish bill.