Clark's Nutcracker
Image: Hunter Hickok (cc-by)
NameClark's Nutcracker
Common NameClark's Nutcracker
Scientific NameNucifraga columbiana
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)46.5
Length (cm)28.5
Weight (g)130
Plumage DetailsPredominantly pale gray body, black primary and secondary wing feathers with a prominent white patch on the secondaries, and a black tail with white outer tail feathers. The bill is long, pointed, and black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its harsh, grating 'kraaa' or 'kraak' calls, often repeated. Also produces softer chattering and squeaking sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, subalpine forest, mountain slopes
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountains to northern Arizona and New Mexico, and west to the Sierra Nevada and other mountain ranges in California and Nevada.
Identifying Featurespale gray body, black wings with white patch, black tail with white outer feathers, long, pointed black bill, high-elevation coniferous habitat
Description
The Clark's Nutcracker is a medium-sized, intelligent corvid found in western North America's high-elevation coniferous forests. It is highly adapted to caching and retrieving pine seeds, playing a crucial role in forest regeneration and often seen foraging on the ground or in trees.
