Last updated: August 12, 2024
Thing to Do
Clark's Nutcracker
NPS photo.
Nucifraga Columbiana
The Clark’s nutcracker has a pale- gray body, black wings with large white patches along the trailing edges, and a black tail with broad white stripes on either side. These birds typically travel in small flocks and call back and forth to communicate. They have a long, harsh, rising call that sounds similar to “shraaaaaaa.”
Clark’s nutcrackers spend most of their summer gathering pine seeds and burying them to use later in the year. They can carry 90 seeds at a time in a pouch under their tongue. Their seed caches help with the repopulation of whitebark pine trees, a keystone species in Glacier.
The Clark’s nutcracker has a pale- gray body, black wings with large white patches along the trailing edges, and a black tail with broad white stripes on either side. These birds typically travel in small flocks and call back and forth to communicate. They have a long, harsh, rising call that sounds similar to “shraaaaaaa.”
Clark’s nutcrackers spend most of their summer gathering pine seeds and burying them to use later in the year. They can carry 90 seeds at a time in a pouch under their tongue. Their seed caches help with the repopulation of whitebark pine trees, a keystone species in Glacier.
Details
Activity
Birdwatching
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Sub-alpine forests
Clark’s nutcrackers are usually found in high-elevation mountainous regions. The best way to find them is to find a healthy whitebark pine tree. The Siyeh or Piegan Pass Trails are a good place to start.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
In addition to driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road and other park roads, the Running Eagle Falls Nature Trail, the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, and the Trail of the Cedars are three of Glacier’s most accessible areas.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Improvements in accessibility are being made each year, and with a bit of pre-planning, all visitors can find Glacier to be a rewarding experience. Details on Glacier's accessible facilities and services can be found on the park's website nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.