Northern Nutcracker

Overview

The northern nutcracker, previously known as the spotted or Eurasian nutcracker, is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. It is one of four species of nutcracker and has an extensive range across northern Eurasia.

Identification

• Body plumage is mid-to-dark chocolate brown, heavily spotted with white on the face, neck, mantle and underparts.
• Features a large white loral spot, a white eye-ring, and a blackish-brown cap extending onto the nape.
• Dark blackish wings with a greenish-blue gloss; all-white vent; and a dark tail with white corners above and a white terminal band on the undertail.
• Long, sharply pointed black bill that varies in size among races; black iris, legs and feet.

Habitat

Inhabits the taiga conifer forests of northern Europe, Siberia and eastern Asia, including disjunct mountain conifer forests in the Alps, Carpathians and Balkans. It is not migratory but may erupt out of range in times of food shortage.

Diet

Feeds primarily on the seeds of various cold-climate pines, as well as spruce seeds and hazel nuts where available. Also takes insects, small birds, eggs, nestlings, small rodents and carrion. It stores surplus seed for later use, playing a key role in the sowing and re-establishment of pines.

Did you know?

Its tongue has a unique forked tip with two long, keratinised, nail-like appendages that help it handle and shell conifer seeds. It also holds hard nuts between its feet and hacks at the shells with its bill like a chisel.