Coraciiformes are a fairly large order characterized by syndactyl feet (three forward pointing toes) and long, pointed bills. Birds of the Coraciiformes are usually colorful, monogamous and nest in cavities. Their young are altricial and retain waxy sheaths on their feathers until just before fledging. Most birds of this order are carnivorous. Some authorities consider Upupidae (hoopoe) and Bucerotidae (hornbills) as belonging to the Coraciiformes order. A total of ten families, five represented in India with 22 species.

Family: Alcedinidae (River kingfishers - world total of 22 species)

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis - widespread resident
Blyth's Kingfisher Alcedo hercules - local resident
Blue-eared Kingfisher Alcedo meninting - widespread resident
Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus - widespread resident
Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa - vagrant
 

Family: Cerylidae (Water kingfishers - world total of 9 species)

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis - widespread resident
Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris - widespread resident
 

Family: Dacelonidae or Halcyonidae (Tree Kingfishers - world total 60 species)

Ruddy Kingfisher Halcyon coromanda - widespread resident
Black-capped Kingfisher Halcyon pileata - widespread resident
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis - widespread resident
Brown-winged Kingfisher Pelargopsis amauropterus - local resident
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis - widespread resident
Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris - widespread resident
 

Family: Coraciidae (Rollers - world total of 11 species)

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis - widespread resident
European Roller Coracias garrulus - local resident & sparse migrant
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis - widespread resident
 

Family: Meropidae (Bee-eaters - world total 26 species)

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster - widespread migrant
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti - widespread resident
Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis - widespread resident
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus - local resident
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus - widespread resident
Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni - widespread resident