Clark's Nutcrackers harvest sugar pine seeds from cones

Authors

Michael P. Murray, Ministry of Forests and Range, Kootenay Lake Forestry Centre, British Columbia, CanadaFollow
Diana F. Tomback, University of Colorado DenverFollow

Abstract

This is the first report of Clark's Nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) harvesting seeds from the cones of sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), based on observations over several years in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. The harvesting period in late September corresponded to peak cone-opening dates. Nutcrackers placed harvested seeds in their throat pouches, a behavior associated with seed caching.

Recommended Citation

Murray, Michael P. and Tomback, Diana F. (2010) "Clark's Nutcrackers harvest sugar pine seeds from cones," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 70: No. 3, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol70/iss3/14