CLARKE NUTCRACKER. 



491. Xucifraga columbiana. 12^ inches. 



Clarke Crows are found abundantly in all coniferous 

 forests on the higher mountains in their range. They 

 are very peculiar birds, having some of the traits of 

 Woodpeckers, but more of those of the Jays. 



They are very active, very noisy and very inquisitive, 

 sharing with the Rocky Mountain Jay the names of 

 "Camp Robber," "Moose Bird," etc. They are great 

 travellers and may, one season, be absent where they 

 were abundant the preceding one. 



Notes. Various calls and imitations like those of all 

 others of the Jay family. 



Nest. Of sticks, at high elevations on horizontal 

 boughs of coniferous trees. The four eggs have a pale 

 greenish-gray ground, thickly sprinkled with darker 

 ( 1,25 x. 92).. 



Range. Mountains of western North America, casu- 

 ally east to Kansas. 



