Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.

[2] The white-mantled kingfisher is 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) in length and has a black bill, and the plumage is mostly white in the male, with blue wings, tail, a turquoise crown, and a thick black stripe through the eye.

The female is similar to the male but has blue on the lower back.

The call is a rapid descending "kee-ku-ko-ko" or a trilling "ki-ki-ki-ki-ki".

[2] It is widespread but scarce and is probably threatened by habitat loss.