Eurasian Wryneck

Image: <ul><li><a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jynx_torquilla_vlaskop.jpg" title="File:Jynx torquilla vlaskop.jpg">Jynx_torquilla_vlaskop.jpg</a>: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/28820410@N03">Martien Brand</a> from Mariënberg, The Netherlands</li> <li>derivative work: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bogbumper" title="User:Bogbumper">Bogbumper</a> (<a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Bogbumper" title="User talk:Bogbumper"><span class="signature-talk">talk</span></a>)</li></ul> (CC BY 2.0)

NameEurasian Wryneck

Common NameEurasian Wryneck

Scientific NameJynx torquilla

FamilyPicidae

Wingspan (cm)27.5

Length (cm)17

Weight (g)40

Plumage DetailsThe plumage is highly cryptic, featuring intricate patterns of grey, brown, and rufous streaks, bars, and spots across the back, wings, and head, resembling tree bark. The underparts are paler, buffish-white with fine dark barring. A distinctive dark stripe runs from the eye down the side of the neck.

Vocalization / CallIts call is a distinctive, repeated, high-pitched 'que-que-que-que' or 'kwee-kwee-kwee', often described as a kestrel-like call, used during breeding season.

Primary Dietinsectivore

Primary Habitatsopen woodland, orchards, parks, gardens, clearings

Conservation Statusleast-concern

Geographic RangeBreeds across most of temperate Europe and Asia, from Great Britain eastwards to Japan. It is a migratory species, wintering in tropical Africa and South Asia.

Identifying Featurescryptic mottled plumage, long, extensible tongue, unique neck-twisting display, undulating flight, ground foraging behavior, dark eye stripe

Description

The Eurasian Wryneck is a small, cryptic member of the woodpecker family, known for its superb camouflage and unique neck-twisting defense display. Unlike other woodpeckers, it rarely pecks wood, preferring to forage for ants on the ground or in trees.

Related Bird species

Noisy Pitta

Purple Gallinule

Village Weaver

Great Egret

Common Merganser

Kagu