Clark's Nutcracker

Nucifraga columbiana (Wilson, A, 1811)

Clark's Nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana, breeds in western North America, from south-western Canada and the western United States to local sites in northern Mexico. It is a passerine in the crow family and is tied to mountain conifer forest, especially at higher elevations. The bird is best recognised by its long, black, pointed bill, which is adapted for stripping pinecone scales. It also has grey plumage with black wings marked by white tips, and a tail that shows black in the centre with white on either side in flight.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Corvidae — Crows, Jays

Breeding range

North America: sw Canada and w USA; also n Mexico (local)