Clark's Nutcracker
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/19813842@N00">Richard Giddins</a> from London, UK (CC BY 2.0)
NameClark's Nutcracker
Common NameClark's Nutcracker
Scientific NameNucifraga columbiana
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)55
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)130
Plumage DetailsThe body is predominantly pale gray, with black primary and secondary flight feathers. It has a distinctive white patch at the base of the primaries, visible in flight. The tail is black with white outer tail feathers, and the undertail coverts are white. The bill and legs are black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, harsh, and grating 'kraaa' or 'karr-rack' calls, often repeated. It also produces a variety of chattering and softer calls.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, subalpine forest, pine-oak woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountains to northern Baja California, and west to the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range.
Identifying FeaturesOverall pale gray body plumage, Black wings with a prominent white patch (especially visible in flight), Black, pointed bill, Black tail with white outer tail feathers, Often found in high-elevation pine forests
Description
The Clark's Nutcracker is a medium-sized, pale gray bird with striking black and white wings. It is highly adapted to high-elevation coniferous forests, where it specializes in caching pine seeds for winter sustenance.
