It is the smallest kingfisher in Costa Rica, with a rufous neck and flanks, white belly, and dark green head and wings. It waits near water and catches small animals in shallow pools.
Its neck and flanks are rufous, its belly is white, and its head, wings, and tail are dark green. The female has a dark green band across the front of the breast.
At ACG in Costa Rica it has been observed perching near water and flying low and fast. In the dry season it was seen catching small crustaceans, frogs, and fish trapped in remaining pools.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.