NUTCRACKER . — -Nucifrayra caryocatactes. 
The small but handsome and striking bird which is popularly called the 
Nutcracker, Crow, is extremely scarce in England, having but seldom been 
discovered upon the British Islands. 
As it is so conspicuous a bird, it would not escape the notice of even the most 
careless observer, and we may be sure that it has very seldom, if ever, visited 
England without its arrival being noted. It is tolerably common in several parts 
of Europe, and has been seen in Switzerland in large flocks, feeding upon the seeds 
of the pine-trees after the fashion that has gained for the bird its name of 
Nutcracker. This species feeds mostly upon seeds, especially those of the pine, 
the beech, and various nuts, and it breaks the hard shells by fixing the nut or 
pine-cone in a convenient crevice, and hammering with its beak until it has 
exposed the kernel. Indeed, while engaged in this pursuit, its movements are 
almost precisely those of the common nuthatch. 
It does not, however, feed wholly on seeds, but varies its diet with insect food, 
in pursuit of which it ranges for a considerable distance over the country, seeking 
the insects either on the ground or on the trees— generally the latter. 
By means of the powerful bill and neck muscles, the Nutcracker is able to dig 
out the large-bodied grubs which are found deeply buried in the wood of various 
trees, and which it discovers through its quick sense of sight and hearing. 
£ 
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