Crows and jays (Corvidae)
Clark's Nutcracker
Nucifraga columbiana. Pine seeds, cached by the thousand; also insects and carrion.
Crows and jays (Corvidae)Clark's NutcrackerNucifraga columbiana
- Scientific name
- Nucifraga columbiana
- Length
- 10.6–11.8 in
- Weight
- 3.7–5.7 oz
- Nest
- Stick cup on a conifer branch, often nesting in late winter
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–6 eggs
- Incubation
- 16–18 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Grey body with black wings and white wing patches
- Black tail with white sides
- Long, sharp bill
Voice
Harsh, grating 'kraa' calls over high ridges.
Diet and feeding
Pine seeds, cached by the thousand; also insects and carrion.
What do Clark's nutcrackers eat? · Best feeder for Clark's nutcrackers
Clark's Nutcrackers by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Year-round resident | March–April |
| British Columbia | Year-round resident | March–April |
| California | Year-round resident | January–April |
| Colorado | Year-round resident | February–April |
| Idaho | Year-round resident | February–April |
| Montana | Year-round resident | March–April |
| Nevada | Year-round resident | February–April |
| Oregon | Year-round resident | February–April |
| Utah | Year-round resident | February–April |
| Washington | Year-round resident | February–April |
| Wyoming | Year-round resident | March–April |
Frequently asked
What do Clark's nutcrackers eat?
Pine seeds, cached by the thousand; also insects and carrion. At feeders: peanuts in the shell, black-oil sunflower, suet.
How big is a Clark's Nutcracker?
10.6–11.8 in long and 3.7–5.7 oz.
Do Clark's nutcrackers use birdhouses?
No. Stick cup on a conifer branch, often nesting in late winter.
Sources
- Clark's Nutcracker — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Clark's Nutcracker life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Clark's Nutcracker — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.