Nucifraga caryocatactes
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Mass
~180 g
Habitat
Forests
Diet
Seeds and grains
How to recognize it
The Northern Nutcracker looks sturdy and plain at once. Its dark brown body with white spotting, long bill, and short tail make it easy to notice even when it sits still in the trees.
It is wary and does not like to show itself for long. Its voice is loud and harsh, and its habits are practical — it works through cones, carries seeds away, and hides them for later.
It lives in taiga forests across Europe and Asia, including mountain woods and islands it may reach during storms. Pine seeds are its main food, but it also takes acorns, other seeds, berries, insects, and small vertebrates, and in many places stays through winter.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Northern Nutcracker looks sturdy and plain at once. Its dark brown body with white spotting, long bill, and short tail make it easy to notice even when it sits still in the trees.
It is wary and does not like to show itself for long. Its voice is loud and harsh, and its habits are practical — it works through cones, carries seeds away, and hides them for later.
It lives in taiga forests across Europe and Asia, including mountain woods and islands it may reach during storms. Pine seeds are its main food, but it also takes acorns, other seeds, berries, insects, and small vertebrates, and in many places stays through winter.
