This kingfisher occurs on islands around New Guinea, New Ireland, New Britain, and the Solomon Islands. It uses secondary forest and inland openings, and also eats small animals.
The crown is green or bluish, with a rufous spot in front of the eye. A broad white collar contrasts with blue-green upperparts. Females are less buff below, and subspecies vary in color and the extent of the dark crown.
It prefers secondary forest and open areas away from the coast. Its recorded diet includes insects, spiders, frogs, snakes, and occasionally mice.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.