While searching for fish, the familiar Belted Kingfisher perches conspicuously on a limb over a river or lake. On sighting a fish it flies from its post and hovers like a tern over the water before plunging after its prey. In addition, it may eat crabs, crayfish, salamanders, lizards, mice, and insects. Often a kingfisher patrols a regular beat along a stream or lakeshore, stopping at favourite exposed perches along the way. When flying from one perch to another, often a good distance apart, it utters its loud rattling call.