Clark's Nutcracker
NameClark's Nutcracker
Common NameClark's Nutcracker
Scientific NameNucifraga columbiana
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)46.5
Length (cm)28.5
Weight (g)132.5
Plumage DetailsThe body and head are predominantly pale gray. The wings are black with prominent white patches on the secondaries and tertials, and the outer tail feathers are white, contrasting with a black central tail. The bill is long, stout, and black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its harsh, grating 'kraaa' or 'charrr' calls, often repeated. It also produces softer chattering and squealing sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, subalpine forest, montane forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in western North America, from British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountains to northern Arizona and New Mexico, and west through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range.
Identifying Featurespale gray body plumage, black wings with distinct white patches, white outer tail feathers, long, pointed black bill, large size for a passerine
Description
The Clark's Nutcracker is a large, pale gray bird with striking black and white wings and a long, pointed bill. This highly intelligent species is renowned for its exceptional ability to cache thousands of conifer seeds, particularly pine nuts, and remember their locations for later retrieval, playing a crucial role in forest regeneration.
