The Amazon kingfisher measures about 29-30 cm in length and weighs -110g.

This petite, brightly coloured bird possesses dark blue or green wings, tail and head. It is green above, with a shaggy crest and a white collar around the neck.

It has the typical kingfisher shape, with a short tail and long bill. All kingfishers are known for their stocky bodies, large heads and long, thick, sharply pointed bills, shaped like a dagger. The bill seems disproportionate to the rest of the body, but it is designed for impaling and capturing its prey. Their legs are short and their tails broad and stout. Their strong feet support them while perching on branches.

Males have white underparts apart from a broad chestnut breast band and some green streaks on the flanks.

The female's plumage is less bright than the male's. She has white underparts with green patches on the side of the chest and green flank streaks.

Juveniles resemble the adult female, but have white spots on the wings.