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Northern nutcracker
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<p>The northern nutcracker (<i>Nucifraga caryocatactes</i>), previously known as spotted nutcracker and Eurasian nutcracker, is a <a href="/facts/Passerine/qby0MANo">passerine</a> bird in the crow family <a href="/facts/Corvidae/PAr1u8fF">Corvidae</a>. It is slightly larger than the <a href="/facts/Eurasian_jay/gGwssRnx">Eurasian jay</a> but has a much larger bill and a slimmer looking head without any crest. The feathering over its body is predominantly chocolate brown with distinct white spots and patches. The wings and upper tail are black with a greenish-blue gloss. </p><p>The northern nutcracker is one of four species of <a href="/facts/Nutcracker_(bird)/RSNjxydp">nutcracker</a> currently accepted. The <a href="/facts/Southern_nutcracker/NQuhqY5N">southern nutcracker</a> (<i>Nucifraga hemispila</i>) and the <a href="/facts/Kashmir_nutcracker/VJyGkGPj">Kashmir nutcracker</a> (<i>Nucifraga multipunctata</i>) were formerly considered as <a href="/facts/Subspecies/4L9jFacF">subspecies</a> of the northern nutcracker. The species complex was known by the English name "spotted nutcracker". The other member of the genus, <a href="/facts/Clark%27s_nutcracker/WWNdqwrK">Clark's nutcracker</a> (<i>Nucifraga columbiana</i>), occurs in western North America. </p>