Clark's Nutcracker
NameClark's Nutcracker
Common NameClark's Nutcracker
Scientific NameNucifraga columbiana
FamilyCorvidae
Wingspan (cm)47
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)135
Plumage DetailsPredominantly pale gray body, with contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers and a distinctive white patch on the inner primaries, visible in flight. The tail is black with white outer tail feathers. The head is a lighter, almost whitish-gray, and the bill is stout and black.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its harsh, grating 'kraaaah' or 'karr-rack' calls, often repeated. Also produces softer chattering and clicking sounds.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsconiferous forest, subalpine forest, montane forest
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 Cascade Range.
Identifying Featurespale gray body, black wings with white patch (visible in flight), black tail with white outer feathers, long, pointed black bill, high-elevation conifer forest habitat
Description
The Clark's Nutcracker is a medium-sized, pale gray bird found in high-elevation coniferous forests. It is renowned for its remarkable ability to cache thousands of conifer seeds, playing a crucial role in forest regeneration.
