Northern Nutcracker
Photo: kuhnmi · CC BY 2.0

Crows, Jays, and Magpies

Northern Nutcracker

Nucifraga caryocatactes

LCLeast Concern
Family
Crows, Jays, and Magpies (Corvidae)
Order
Passeriformes

Overview

The northern nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), previously known as the spotted nutcracker and Eurasian nutcracker, is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. It is slightly smaller than the Eurasian jay but has a much larger bill and a slimmer looking head without any crest. The feathering over its body is predominantly chocolate brown with distinct white spots and patches. The wings and upper tail are black with a greenish-blue gloss.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.