Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)--
If it weren't for its colors, this light gray bird with black wings and tail would look like a small crow. At 12 to 13 inches, this campground scavenger prefers the high mountains and coniferous forests near the tree line. It is similar to the Gray Jay but the white wing patches and outer white tail feathers are keys to its identity. Other field marks include darks eyes and a long, sharply pointed bill. It has a white face and belly.
The voice is a flat grating gutteral caw, khaaaa or kraaa.
The nest is a deep bowl made of sticks in a conifer. On average the Clark's Nutcracker lays from 2 to 4 eggs but it can lay up to 6. They are green and spotted.
It is a resident in southern British Columbia and Alberta south throughout coniferous western mountains to California and Colorado.
