Species Profile
Wryneck
Jynx torquilla
Wryneck
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Eurasian Wryneck, Northern Wryneck
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Appearance
The Wryneck is a small, cryptically coloured woodpecker with intricate brown and grey plumage. Its mottled pattern resembles tree bark, providing excellent camouflage.
The bird has a distinctive dark stripe running from the crown to the back. They have brownish bills, eyes, and legs. Like other birds of their family, these birds have zygodactyl feet.
Both sexes look similar, with subtle barring on the underparts and fine streaking on the throat. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Brown
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Wrynecks inhabit open woodlands, orchards, and parklands across Europe and Asia. They prefer areas with scattered trees and bare or short-grass ground for foraging. During the breeding season, they're found from the UK to Japan.
In winter, most European populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa. In the UK, they're now rare breeding birds but can be seen during spring and autumn migrations, particularly along the east coast.
Active nests have not been confirmed in the UK for over 20 years. However, it is possible that some still breed in northern Scotland.
Distribution
Diet
Wrynecks primarily feed on ants and their larvae, using their bill to open ant nests and their long, sticky tongue to extract their prey. They also consume other small insects, invertebrates, tadpoles, birds' eggs and occasionally berries.
Their specialised diet makes them vulnerable to changes in ant populations and habitat alterations.
Behaviour
Wrynecks are known for their unique ability to twist their necks almost 180 degrees, a behaviour that gives them their name. They often feed on the ground, using their long, sticky tongues to catch ants.
During the breeding season, males perform a distinctive head-twisting display to attract mates.
Calls & Sounds
The Wryneck's call is a series of sharp, high-pitched 'kee-kee-kee' notes, repeated rapidly and often likened to a kestrel or a small dog's yelp.
During the breeding season, males produce a slower, more drawn-out version of this call, sounding like 'que-que-que', to attract mates and defend territories.
Nesting & Breeding
Wrynecks breed from May to July, with males attracting females through distinctive calls and head-twisting displays. They don't excavate their own cavities but use existing tree holes or nest boxes.
Females typically lay 7-10 glossy white eggs in a simple nest of wood chips. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 12 days.
Chicks fledge after 18-22 days but may return to the nest for several nights. Parents continue to feed fledglings for about two weeks after they leave the nest.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Wryneck populations have declined in parts of Europe due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats and preserving traditional orchards and wood pastures.
Elevation
Up to 3,300 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Wrynecks are preyed upon by various birds of prey, including Sparrowhawks and Merlins. Small mammals such as weasels and pine martens may also target their nests.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Wrynecks in open woodlands and orchards during spring and summer.
- Listen for their distinctive 'kee-kee-kee' call, which is often the easiest way to locate them.
- Observe ant nests or sandy areas where Wrynecks often feed.
- In the UK, watch for them during spring and autumn migration periods.
Did You Know?
- Wrynecks can turn their heads almost 180 degrees, a trait that inspired their name.
- They are the only migratory woodpeckers in Europe.
- Wrynecks were once believed to be able to put a spell on people due to their extraordinary snake-like movements when confronted with a predator
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