The kingfisher’s relatively small and compact frame is distinctive in its beautiful plumage. It has short, round wings, a stubby tail, and a large head. The adult bird’s crown, nape, moustache and all upperparts a bright greenish-blue, the shade of which changes depending on light and viewing angle. The crown and wing coverts have highlighted droplets of pale blue. Scapulars, flight feathers and tip of tail are a darker blackish-blue. Face, underbody and underwing coverts are a rich orange-chestnut, which is paler on the throat and centre of belly, this colouring ends abruptly at snow-white flashes on the side of the neck and under the chin. The kingfisher’s proportionally large head holds a long, razor-sharp bill, which at around 4cm long accounts for almost a quarter of its body length. It has white spots in front of eyes, which are dark. Male and female kingfishers are virtually identical, apart from a flash of pale orange that can be seen on the lower part of the female’s bill. Juvenile kingfishers are generally less colourful than the adults, with paler plumage and shorter bills, and legs of dull orange.