Two subspecies are found in moist, montane forests, A. p. princeps from the northeast of the island and A. p. erythrorhamphus from the northwest and central parts.

[4] In the Minahassa Peninsula of northern Sulawesi, the nominate subspecies is found in the Gunung Ambang Nature Reserve in primary forest at elevations between 1,050 and 1,550 metres (3,440 and 5,090 ft) above sea level.

[3] The call of the scaly-breasted kingfisher, a series of mournful whistles, is more likely to be heard around dawn than later in the day.

It perches on a branch in the forest and periodically makes short flights with its wings creating a whirring noise.

[3] The scaly-breasted kingfisher has a somewhat restricted range in Indonesia and its population size is believed to be decreasing due to habitat loss, but is considered to be least concern by the IUCN.