The Clark's Nutcracker

by Ashley, grade 3

The Clark's Nutcracker lives in sparsely timbered areas at timberline or rocky areas in the high mountains. Its scientific name, Nucifraga columbiana, means "nut break" and "Columbia River". It has a flashy white and black wing and tail and a gray body. It has a long pointed bill and a white face. It is eleven inches long. This bird can fly up to fourteen miles per hour in search of food. It can carry 150 seeds in the pouch of its throat. It likes White Bark Pine seeds and Lodge Pole pine seeds. It eats some of the seeds and buries the rest for winter. The Nutcracker has a distinctive harsh call- "Kr-a-a-a!" This bird is also referred to as a "Camp Robber".