Older references place this species in the Genus Halcyon, but more recent checklists put it in Todiramphus. Most kingfishers in this area did not seem particularly adapted to fishing; rather they ate insects, lizards, etc in terrestrial habitats. This is the northern subspecies elisabeth which is said to be bluer (less turquoise) on the back than other subspecies. I believe this individual is a male. Females lack the white band extending around the back of the neck. The brownish wash to the back suggest it may be immature.
