Eurasian Wryneck
NameEurasian Wryneck
Common NameEurasian Wryneck
Scientific NameJynx torquilla
FamilyPicidae
Wingspan (cm)25
Length (cm)17
Weight (g)38
Plumage DetailsIts plumage is highly cryptic, mottled with shades of grey, brown, and black, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. It features a dark stripe running from the eye to the shoulder and a prominent dark streak down the center of its back.
Vocalization / CallThe call is a distinctive, repeated, high-pitched 'que-que-que-que' or 'wee-wee-wee-wee', often described as a kestrel-like call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodland, orchards, parks, gardens, areas with scattered trees
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of temperate Europe and Asia, migrating south to tropical Africa and South Asia for the winter.
Identifying Featurescryptic, bark-like plumage, snake-like neck twisting behavior, ground-foraging for ants, distinctive kestrel-like call, lacks stiff tail feathers typical of other woodpeckers
Description
The Eurasian Wryneck is a small, cryptic woodpecker known for its unique ability to twist its head and neck almost 180 degrees, resembling a snake. Unlike most woodpeckers, it primarily forages on the ground for ants and does not excavate its own nest holes.
