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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Clark's Nutcracker

Nucifraga columbiana ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: CORVIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Clark

© Scott A. Haber

A bird of the high mountain regions of the American West, the Clark's Nutcracker is specialized for feeding on large pine seeds. Its behavior, annual cycle, and even its morphology are closely tied to this diet.

Birds and Beans Coffee

Appearance

Crows and Jays
Crows and Jays
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large songbird.
  • Gray all over.
  • Black wings and tail, with white patches.
  • Long, stout, pointed black bill.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but buffy gray with dull black or brown wings.

Range Map Help

Clark
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Clark's Nutcracker

    Adult
    • Mostly black wings with white trailing edge
    • Black central tail feathers with white outer feathers
    • Bill slightly decurved at tip
    • © Robinsegg, Yellowstone NP, Wyoming, June 2005

Similar Species

  • Adult
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    Gray Jay

    Adult
    • Similar to adult and juvenile Clark's Nutcracker
    • Short, stubby bill
    • Black cap
    • Plain gray wings with no black or white markings
    • © Jack Doyle/GBBC, Otis, Oregon, September 2008

Similar Species

  • Gray Jay has short bill, blackish cap, long tail, and lacks black or white in wings and tail.