ExploreBirds

Clark's Nutcracker

Nucifraga columbiana

Clark's Nutcracker is a clever bird that loves to eat seeds from pine cones. They have beautiful gray feathers and a strong beak to crack open tough seeds. These birds are great at finding food in the mountains!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Clark's Nutcracker is a striking, medium-sized bird, predominantly pale gray with contrasting black wings and a black tail. It has distinct white patches on its wings and outer tail feathers. Its long, pointed bill is perfectly adapted for extracting seeds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCorvidaeGenusNucifraga
Clark's Nutcracker
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Clark's Nutcracker

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

36

Interesting facts

A single nutcracker can cache over 98,000 seeds in one season, enough for many new trees!

Instead of drinking water, Clark's Nutcrackers often eat snow to stay hydrated high in the mountains!

These birds build nests and lay eggs in sub-zero temperatures, often while snow is still on the ground!

They can carry up to 80 pine seeds in a special pouch under their tongue!

Special abilities

Ability

Memory Master

Clark's Nutcracker can remember up to 33,000 hidden seed caches for months, helping them find food even under snow.

Ability

Pine Nut Prowler

Clark's Nutcracker has a long, pointed bill that helps them expertly pry nutritious seeds from tough pine cones.

Ability

Forest Planter

Clark's Nutcracker buries thousands of seeds, which helps new pine trees grow, making them vital for mountain forests.

Measurements & details

Length
27-30 cm
Wingspan
46-49 cm
Weight
0.106-0.161 kg
Lifespan
15-19 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
2-6
Incubation
17-18 days

Diet & Feeding

These clever birds love to eat pine nuts, especially from whitebark pines, but also enjoy insects!

Primary Foods

  • Pine nuts
  • Whitebark pine seeds
  • Pinyon pine seeds
  • Insects
  • Berries
  • Small fruits

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Clark's Nutcracker?

The easiest way to identify Clark's Nutcracker is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Clark's Nutcracker?

27-30 cm

What is Clark's Nutcracker's wingspan?

46-49 cm

How much does Clark's Nutcracker weigh?

0.106-0.161 kg

How long does Clark's Nutcracker live?

15-19 years

How fast can Clark's Nutcracker move?

50 km/h

What does Clark's Nutcracker eat?

These clever birds love to eat pine nuts, especially from whitebark pines, but also enjoy insects!

Where is Clark's Nutcracker usually found?

Mountain regions

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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