[2] The natural habitat of this species is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Adults are characterized by white underparts with long black eyestripes, while juveniles are cinnamon below.

Kingfishers defend permanent territories as breeding pairs and family groups.

Both sexes care for young, and some offspring remain with parents for extended periods.

[3] Little has been published about the status of rusty-capped kingfisher populations, although the US Fish and Wildlife Service has bird survey data for the region.