Clark's Nutcracker
Image: iandeas (cc-by-nc)
NameClark's Nutcracker
Common NameClark's Nutcracker
Scientific NameNucifraga columbiana
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)58
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)135
Plumage DetailsPredominantly pale gray body plumage, with black primary and secondary flight feathers. The inner secondaries have white edges, forming a prominent white patch on the trailing edge of the wing. The tail is black with white outer tail feathers. The bill and legs are black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its harsh, grating calls, often described as 'kraaa' or 'karr-rack', which can be loud and far-carrying. It also produces softer, chattering notes.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, subalpine forest, montane forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in mountainous regions of western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta south through the western United States to northern Baja California and Arizona, typically at high elevations.
Identifying FeaturesPale gray body plumage, Black wings with a large white patch on the secondaries, Black tail with white outer tail feathers, Long, pointed black bill, Often seen in coniferous forests at high elevations
Description
The Clark's Nutcracker is a medium-sized, intelligent bird known for its specialized diet of pine seeds, which it caches extensively for later consumption. It has a distinctive gray body with contrasting black and white wings and tail, and a long, pointed bill adapted for extracting seeds from cones.
