The Kashmir nutcracker or large-spotted nutcracker is a passerine bird related to the northern nutcracker and southern nutcracker. Until recently, it was considered a subspecies of the former. It is found in the western Himalayas.
Region
Western Himalayas
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern Afghanistan and northern Pakistan through Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India. It favors mature montane conifer forests dominated by deodar cedar, blue pine, spruce, and fir. In summer it occupies subalpine forests and forest edges, while in winter it often descends into lower valleys, orchards, and village groves. Birds range across ridgelines, clearings, and rocky slopes where seed-bearing conifers are present.
Altitude Range
1500–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the large-spotted nutcracker, it was long treated as a subspecies of the northern nutcracker but is now recognized as distinct. It specializes on conifer seeds and is a prolific cacher, storing thousands of seeds that can aid forest regeneration. Its loud, rasping calls carry far across mountain valleys. Seasonal movements track cone crops, with birds descending to lower elevations in winter.
A Kashmir nutcracker in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Temperament
alert and territorial around food caches
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Generally seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, forming small family groups after fledging. Pairs are monogamous and nest early in the year in tall conifers, using twigs and lining of softer material. It caches seeds extensively and defends productive feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh, and rasping, often rendered as repeated kraa or krrraak calls, mixed with rattles. Softer nasal notes and chatter occur near the nest or at close range.
Plumage
Densely and coarsely white-spotted chocolate-brown plumage, with heavier spotting than the northern nutcracker. Wings and tail are darker with contrasting white markings, and the undertail coverts are white.
Diet
Primarily takes conifer seeds, especially from deodar cedar, blue pine, and chilgoza pine, which it cracks with its strong bill. Supplements with walnuts, acorns, berries, and various invertebrates. Opportunistically eats small vertebrates, eggs, and carrion when available. Caches large numbers of seeds in soil or crevices for later retrieval.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in mature conifer stands, along forest edges, and in subalpine clearings with good cone crops. In winter it forages in lower valleys, orchards, and around villages, often on the ground or in tree canopies.
