The nutcrackers (Nucifraga) are a genus of two species of passerine bird, in the family Corvidae, related to the jays and crows. One the Clark's Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana is found in western North America.
The most important food resources for both these species are the pine tree seeds. The bills of these birds are specialized tools for extracting seeds from pine cones.
Surplus seed is always stored for later use, and it is this species that is responsible for the re-establishment of their favoured pines over large areas either burnt in forest fires or cleared by man.
Not migratory, but they will irrupt out of their ranges if a cone crop failure causes a food shortage.
