Clark's Nutcrackers are normally birds of high elevation forests in the West. Aptly named, they gather and bury many pine and other seeds for later retrieval. Clark's Nutcrackers generally act quite tame around humans, bordering on aggressive as they forage for our refuse.
Habitat
Usually found in high elevation conifer forests of the Rocky Mountains.
Diet
Omnivorous. Feeds heavily on pine seeds when available, also other seeds and nuts, fruits, berries, insects, birds, eggs, amphibians, reptiles, and carrion and garbage.
Behavior
Often forages by clambering along the ground or through the branches of a tree. They use their strong bill to pry open pine cones for seeds, also using it to dig insects out of wood. A single bird may store thousands of seeds, for later retrieval during scarce winter months.
Nesting
March through May
Song
Wide variation of vocalizations, most commonly a harsh kaaaaaaaaaawwww.
Migration
Complex, poorly understood migrations. Clark's Nutcracker is normally a bird of the Rocky Mountains. However, they sometimes move outward from that core in large numbers during the fall.
Similar Species
Gray Jay
Bird Feeders
Will come to feeders for sunflower seeds and nuts.
Conservation Status
Numbers are generally stable. Has adapted well to a human presence in some areas.
Photo Information
August 9th, 2007 - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - Terry Sohl
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access the eBird species page for Clark's Nutcracker
