Clark's Nutcracker

Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) is a medium-sized corvid of subalpine and alpine conifer forest; pines, spruce, and fir. In Banff National Park, nutcrackers are common at treeline and above, where they cache whitebark pine seeds and play a critical role in forest regeneration.

Identification: Gray body; black wings with white patches; black tail with white outer feathers; long, sharp bill. Slightly larger than a jay; distinct from Gray Jay (all-gray, no wing patches). Flight is strong and direct.

Habitat and diet: Clark’s nutcrackers favour subalpine and alpine conifer forest; especially whitebark and limber pine. Feed on pine seeds (cached for winter), insects, berries, and carrion. One bird may cache 30,000–100,000 seeds per year; forgotten caches germinate and establish new trees.

Behaviour: Vocal and conspicuous; harsh kraa calls carry across ridges. May approach hikers at rest stops; do not feed. Nutcrackers have remarkable spatial memory, relocating caches months later.

Viewing: Common at treeline; Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers, Parker Ridge, and subalpine trails. Listen for calls; watch for birds flying between trees and rocks.