Eurasian Nutcracker

Nucifraga caryocatactes

The spotted nutcracker, Eurasian nutcracker, or just nutcracker, (Nucifraga caryocatactes) is a passerine bird slightly larger than the Eurasian jay. It 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 streaks. The wings and upper tail are virtually black with a greenish-blue gloss. It is one of three species of nutcracker. The Kashmir nutcracker (Nucifraga multipunctata), was formerly considered a subspecies of the spotted. The other member of the genus, Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), occurs in western North America.