Clark's Nutcracker
Nucifraga columbiana
Characteristics:
Clark's Nutcrackers are similar in appearance (although larger) to the Gray Jay (Camp Robber).
13 in. long.
Sexes similar. Body is overall gray in color with black wings and tail. Outer tail feathers and trailing edge of wings is white.
Beak is black, long and thin.
Eater of pine seeds, & campsite scavenger.
Clark's Nutcrackers are found in open coniferous forests, usually above 4000 feet. As a result, they are found mainly in the Cascades and Blue Mountains.
Clark's Nutcrackers like to eat pine seeds. These they collect and store in the ground. They thus help spread the seeds to new areas, where those that aren't eaten sprout to form new forests.
