That this bird is called "blue crow" (blåkråka) in Swedish is most visible when it takes wing, as it is light blue to dark blue on the outer parts of the wings. The species is spread over large parts of Africa and is divided into four subspecies. The birds of Madagascar constitute the nominate race (E. g. glaucurus). The species drinks water in the same way as swallows, by flying over the surface of the water and lowering its broad bill into the water.