Its bill is heavier and longer than that of the blue-eared kingfisher, and is entirely black. Its crown and wings are less brilliant as those of the smaller bird, and it may be distinguished by the speckles of light blue on its crown and wing coverts.
The bill of this species is heavier and longer than that of the blue-eyed kingfisher, being entirely black. The crown and wings are less vivid in coloration compared to those of the smaller bird, and it can be distinguished by the speckles of light blue on its forehead and wing coverts.