Northern Nutcracker

Overview

Northern Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes) is a species of Crows, Jays (Corvidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). A brown corvid streaked with white, specialized in opening pine cones with its stout bill; stores thousands of pine seeds in caches, planting forests; lives in conifer mountains.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Nucifraga; binomial: Nucifraga caryocatactes; authority: (Linnaeus, 1758). Typical size: 32-35cm. Average lifespan: 10-15 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: the Palearctic.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Change English name of Nucifraga caryocatactes from Spotted Nutcracker to Northern Nutcracker with the split of Southern Nutcracker Nucifraga hemispila.