Wryneck

Jynx torquilla

With its cryptic plumage and snake-like head twisting, this peculiar woodpecker relative is a master of camouflage in woodlands across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

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Visual Identification

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.

Size

Length

16cm to 18cm

Wingspan

25cm to 27cm

Weight

30g to 45g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Brown Grey

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Wryneck can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Wryneck is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Wryneck is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Wryneck is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Wryneck is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Wryneck can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Wryneck is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Wryneck is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Wryneck is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Wryneck is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Wryneck is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Wryneck is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 3,300 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Wryneck. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons