The Malagasy kingfisher was formally described by the French naturalists Joseph Eydoux and Paul Gervais in 1836 and given the binomial name Alcedo vintsioides.

[3][4] It is closely related to the malachite kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) which is widely distributed in mainland Africa.

[5] There are two subspecies:[6] The Malagasy kingfisher is 13 cm (5.1 in) in length with a weight of 16.5 to 22 g (0.58 to 0.78 oz).

It has dark blue upperparts, rufous underparts and a crested blue-and-green-barred crown.

The blue plumage of the race C. v. johannae is paler and greener than that of the nominate.