Nucifraga columbiana Clark’s nutcracker

Jays & Crows (Corvidae Family)

Clark’s nutcrackers are large, sturdy songbirds with thick bills, strong legs, & loud voices. Noisy & aggressive; will mob predators. Usually travel in groups

Habitat: mature mixed conifer forests in mountains, usually at timberline, near rocky areas

Description:

• 12 inches long
• Usually in small groups flying around mountain slopes or conspicuously perched.
• A conifer seed specialist because the majority of its yearly diet (and that of its young) consists of fresh and stored pine seeds.
• They range extensively and specialize on 5-needled pine species. They harvest seeds and then cache them underground, returning year-round to dig-up stored seeds.
• Chunky gray bird
• Wingbeats are deep, slow, & crow-like
• Black wings & central tail feathers.
• White wing patches & outer tail feathers