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Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)
FIELD MARKS
The
Clark's Nutcracker has a pale grey-coloured head, neck and body, with a
white forehead, throat and eye-rings. Its wings and tail are black with
white patches. It also has a long, pointed black bill and black feet. Approximate
length: 33 cm
FOOD
This omnivore relies mainly on conifer seeds, especially pine seeds. It
has been known to store tens of thousands of pine seeds in the fall for
the winter season. It also feeds on other seeds, nuts, berries, snails,
insects, eggs, the young of other birds and carrion. When it encounters
humans at campsites or picnic grounds, this bird boldly looks for handouts.
HABITAT
The Clark's Nutcracker lives in open or broken coniferous woods or clearings
at the high altitudes in mountains. In the wintertime it often moves into
the valleys. For the most part, it lives high up near the treeline in
places that are far from human contact.
NESTING
Nests are usually built in coniferous trees on a horizontal branch away
from the trunk. They are made of twigs lined with dry grass, strips of bark,
conifer needles and hair. The female lays 2-4 pale green eggs with faint
brown or grey spots.
STATUS
Population stable.
DISTRIBUTION
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