Syndactyly is most notable among kingfishers and bee-eaters. Most are brightly colored.
Many species have long tails, crests, and large bills.
All nest in cavities or crevices. Most species in this order occur in the tropics. Members of the kingfisher family are found on every continent but Antarctica, todies and motmots are found only in the New World, and the other families occur only in the Old World. Bee-eaters catch prey in the air, while some kingfishers hunt in the water. Most species eat animals, including small mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.