Clark's Nutcracker is a fascinating and highly specialized corvid found in the coniferous forests of western North America. It is renowned for its remarkable ability to cache and remember thousands of pine seeds for later consumption.
Where to spot
Primarily found in montane coniferous forests of western North America, from southern Canada through the western U.S. to northern Mexico, typically at higher elevations.
How to spot
Look for it in pine and fir forests, especially where large-coned pines (like Limber or Whitebark) are present. Listen for its distinctive, harsh 'kraaa' calls. They often fly overhead or perch conspicuously on tree tops.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Most active during the day, particularly visible when foraging for or caching seeds in the autumn and retrieving them during winter and spring.
Where to spot
Primarily found in montane coniferous forests of western North America, from southern Canada through the western U.S. to northern Mexico, typically at higher elevations.
How to spot
Look for it in pine and fir forests, especially where large-coned pines (like Limber or Whitebark) are present. Listen for its distinctive, harsh 'kraaa' calls. They often fly overhead or perch conspicuously on tree tops.
When to spot
Resident year-round. Most active during the day, particularly visible when foraging for or caching seeds in the autumn and retrieving them during winter and spring.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
A single Clark's Nutcracker can cache up to 90,000 pine seeds in thousands of scattered locations each autumn, relying on spatial memory to retrieve them months later, even under snow.
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