The Collared Kingfisher has about 50 sub-species distributed from the Red Sea through southern Asia to north Australia and Polynesia. In Australia they are generally found in mangroves around the coasts of northern Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and the north of New South Wales. This gave rise to the alternative name of Mangrove Kingfisher which is not necessary relevant in some other areas of its distribution where it is found inland and up rivers. It is often seen on bare branches above the mangroves as in these photos.

They feed on small fish, crustaceans, insects and reptiles.

They nest in hollows burrowed out in either tree hollows or termite mounds.

The call is louder and harsher than that of the similar Sacred Kingfisher T. sanctus.