Clark's Nutcracker
Image: Seth Benoit (cc-by-nc)
NameClark's Nutcracker
Common NameClark's Nutcracker
Scientific NameNucifraga columbiana
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)130
Plumage DetailsOverall pale gray plumage, with glossy black primary and secondary flight feathers. The tail is mostly white with black central feathers. It has a long, pointed, black bill and dark eyes.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a distinctive, harsh, grating 'kraa-kraa' call, often repeated. They also produce various chattering and squawking sounds.
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 Baja California and New Mexico.
Identifying Featurespale gray body plumage, black wings, white outer tail feathers, long, pointed black bill, dark eyes
Description
The Clark's Nutcracker is a medium-sized bird of the crow family, known for its pale gray body, contrasting black wings, and white tail patches. It is highly adapted to high-altitude coniferous forests, where it expertly extracts and caches pine seeds for sustenance.
