This little-known bird is sometimes considered a subspecies of the common paradise kingfisher (T. galatea), but it is morphologically distinct and del Hoyo lists it as a separate species.

[2] This species is endemic to the Indonesian island Kofiau, off the west coast of New Guinea.

The species is also common in lightly wooded village gardens.

The head and upper parts of both male and female are dark blue and the rump, tail and underparts are white.

[2] [4] It feeds on insects and worms that it catches on the ground.