The Woodland Kingfisher, Halcyon senegalensis, presents a striking figure with its vivid blue plumage. This medium-sized kingfisher measures approximately 23 cm in length, with adults showcasing a bright blue back, wing panel, and tail. Its head, neck, and underparts are a pristine white, contrasted by black shoulders. The flight is characterized by rapid and direct movements. A notable feature is the large bill, with a red upper mandible and a black lower mandible, while the legs and feet are a dark grey hue.
When identifying the Woodland Kingfisher, look for the dark lores that create a distinct stripe through the eye, a feature that distinguishes it from the similar Mangrove Kingfisher, whose stripe does not extend through the eye. The underwing, primaries, and secondaries are black with white underwing coverts, and the inner webs of the base of the flight feathers are white, forming an indistinct white wingbar. The breast is white, and the sexes appear similar, though juveniles are less vibrant and possess a brown bill.
