The southern nutcracker is a passerine bird in the crow family Corvidae. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the northern nutcracker and the Kashmir nutcracker under the English name "spotted nutcracker".
Region
Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and subalpine conifer forests, especially those dominated by pine, fir, and spruce. It favors ridgelines, forest edges, and mixed conifer–broadleaf zones where nut-bearing trees are abundant. In winter it may descend to lower elevations, including valleys, clearings, and occasionally settlements. Caching behavior leads it to use open ground, stumps, and tree crevices for storing seeds.
Altitude Range
1500–3800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The southern nutcracker is a corvid specialized in harvesting and caching large pine seeds, a behavior that helps regenerate the very forests it inhabits. It was formerly lumped with the northern and Kashmir nutcrackers under 'spotted nutcracker' but is now treated as a separate species by several authorities. Birds often make altitudinal movements, descending in winter to exploit food sources around villages and forest edges.
Nucifraga hemispila owstoni, Taiwan
Temperament
alert and inquisitive
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady, deep wingbeats; short glides between trees
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs; small groups may form at abundant food sources. Monogamous pairs nest early in the season in tall conifers, building sturdy stick nests. They cache large numbers of seeds and retrieve them later, even from under snow, and often feed nestlings from these stores.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh, and nasal, with repeated kraaak and rattle-like calls. Also gives grating scolds and softer chatters when near the nest or caches.
