The belted kingfisher is the only kingfisher that inhabits most of North America. The female can be distinguished from the male by the rust-colored band across its belly and flanks. The kingfisher is common along streams and rivers, ponds, lakes and wetlands. Its call is a loud rattle. He swoops down to get a fish, goes to his perch, smashes it against the tree and then swallows it head first.
Kingfishers dig long nest burrows in stream banks, using their strong feet and bills.