The pied kingfisher is also a very familiar type of kingfisher like the common kingfisher. But unlike the latter, it is slightly larger and has a black plumage covered with white patches all over. There is noticeable broad stripe of black around its eyes. The bill is strong and is shaped like a dagger.
This bird has a peculiar hunting style. It will continuously hover over water to spot a catchable prey. When it sees one, it dives swiftly into the water and catches it instantly. It then flies back to perch on a branch, where it strikes the prey hard against the branch repeatedly. Then the bird swallows the battered fish easily.
The pied kingfisher is a sociable bird. These birds build their nests in groups, in long tunnels in the banks of larger rivers, lakes and coast. This bird is a very common species in India, especially on the plains. They are also found in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Apart from seasonal movements covering short distances, they are not found to migrate anywhere.