Endemic to Madagascar, where it is an uncommon inhabitant of rainforest and dry deciduous forest. It is the only member of its genus lacking blue markings, sporting a rufous and pure white plumage. I have seen this species in Madagascar.

Endemic to the Madagascar region, where it inhabits mangrove forests and wetland vegetation — unlike the only other kingfisher of Madagascar, the Madagascar pygmy kingfisher. A distinct form inhabits Mayotte and Comoros Islands. I have observed this species in Madagascar.

Widespread in most freshwater habitats in Subsaharan Africa. Very small in size and bright colored, with most individuals showing a rufous belly but birds of some areas sporting a white vent. I have observed this species in Kenya.

Widespread in water bodies all across Eurasia and extreme north Africa east to Indonesia and the Bismarck and Solomon Islands, with some plumage variation across its range. The only member of the family to be regularly found in Europe. This is a localized breeder and common wintering species in Alicante.

Distributed along the Malay Peninsula, Palawan, Borneo, Sumatra and Java east to Nusa Tenggara. Despite its very bright plumage, it keeps a very low profile in the shadiest spots of rainforests, often near flowing streams. I have seen this species in Borneo.

The largest kingfisher of Africa, inhabiting rivers, lakes and coastlines. It has two forms: one occurs in wooded savanna and the other inhabits tropical rainforests. Males and females differ in the extent of chestnut plumage in the belly. I have observed this species in Kenya.

Widespread kingfisher of rivers, lakes, estuaries and mangroves of Subsaharan Africa, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and east China. It often hovers to catch fish. I have seen this species in Kenya, Vietnam and India.

Massive kingfisher of large streams and lakes from south India and the Ganges valley east to Borneo, the Philippines and Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia. Birds west of its distribution range have dark brown heads whereas those in the east have pale yellow heads. I have seen this species in Singapore, Borneo, the Philippines, Vietnam and India.

Found in arid and thorn savanna across Subsaharan Africa. It is mostly inconspicuous in the canopy of dry woodland trees, except when it delivers a loud, distinctive call. I have encountered this species in Kenya.

Abundant in habitats often but not necessarily close to water in the Middle East, Persian Gulf, all the Indian Subcontinent, east China and Southeast Asia south to Sumatra and Java. Often perches on wires and fences. I have seen this species in Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, Vietnam, urban Kuwait and India.

Widespread kingfisher of mangroves, tidal flats and forested areas across the Indomalayan and Wallacea regions, with isolated populations in the west in the Sundarbans and Goa in the Indian Subcontinent and in Saudi Arabia and Oman in the Arabian Peninsula. Extremely variable, with a myriad of different forms along its wide range with still unclear taxonomic relations. I have seen this species in Singapore, Borneo, the Philippines and Thailand.