Clark's Nutcracker
Nucifraga columbiana
This relative of jays and crows is pale gray with a whitish face and black wings. Sexes are similar; juveniles are browner than adults. Found almost exclusively in coniferous forests at high elevations; feeds on pine cone seeds and stashes thousands of them in various places to eat later in the winter. Often found in flocks. Sometimes visits feeders. Similar in color to Canada Jay, but especially note bill shape: long, slender, and sharply pointed.
Identification
Nucifraga columbiana can reach an average length of 28.8 cm (11.3 in). It is slightly smaller than its Eurasian relative the spotted nutcracker (N. caryocatactes). Most of its body has feathers that are ashy-grey and loose in texture. The wings and tail are black and white. The central tail feathers are black and the outer ones white. The bill, legs and feet are also black. The bill is long, stout, and cone-shaped.
Taxonomy
Originally placed in the genus Corvus by Lewis, Clark's nutcracker was later included in Nucifraga by Wilson, which also includes two Old World species with similar lifestyles and habitats.
- Scientific name
- Nucifraga columbiana
- Authority
- (Wilson, A, 1811)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Corvidae
- Genus
- Nucifraga
Range and habitat
This species is present in western North America from British Columbia and western Alberta in the north to Baja California and central New Mexico in the south. There is also a small isolated population on the peak of Cerro Potosí, elevation 3,700 metres (12,200 ft), in Nuevo León, northeast Mexico. It is mainly found in mountains at altitudes of 900–3,900 metres (3,000–12,900 ft) in conifer forest. It is not migratory except in the sense of moving back and forth locally between areas of higher and lower elevation. Outside the breeding season, it may wander extensively to lower altitudes and also further east as far as Illinois (and exceptionally, Pennsylvania), particularly following any cone crop failure in its normal areas.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Cocos Tyrannulet
Nesotriccus ridgwayi
Small and drab flycatcher found only on Cocos Island, which is located in the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles southwest of mainland Costa Rica. Most birds are brown above with a buffy belly, with tan wingbars and a pale eyebrow. Some individuals have a brighter yellow belly or an olive-tinged back. Inhabits humid forest as well as scrubby and swampy areas, often in dense vegetation. Typical song is a short, descending sputter.
Orange-crested Flycatcher
Myiophobus phoenicomitra
Scarce, unremarkable flycatcher of Andean cloud forest understory. Note the yellow underparts, vague brownish wingbars, stubby bill, and faint eye-ring. Male’s orange crest is usually concealed and rarely seen in the field. The species lacks strong field marks, and voice is often the easiest way to identify it. Typical song is a high-pitched “sit-sweet!-sit,” sometimes followed by a few softer notes.
Plumbeous Pigeon
Patagioenas plumbea
Large dark pigeon of forest interior. Overall purplish-gray, slightly darker and browner on wings. Pale eye. Sexes alike. Note plainer appearance and longer tail than many other doves and pigeons. Most similar to Ruddy Pigeon but plumage grayer (not reddish) and eye paler. Usually quite secretive, staying in the canopy where singles or pairs feed on fruits. Found from lowlands into subtropical zone, up to 2,300 m (7,500 ft). More often heard than seen; listen for the cooing “who-cooks-for-you” song with the last two notes drawn out.
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