Wryneck
Least ConcernJynx torquilla
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Wryneck's remarkable ability to twist its neck almost 180 degrees, coupled with its adept ground-feeding technique and migratory nature, suggests high agility. Its skill in navigating varied habitats from woodlands to orchards further supports this rating.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small woodpecker species, the Wryneck's strength is modest. While capable of clinging to tree bark and extracting ants from the ground, it lacks the powerful excavating abilities of many other woodpeckers, indicating lower overall strength.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
The Wryneck demonstrates significant adaptability through its diverse habitat preferences, long-distance migration, and specialised feeding habits. Its ability to utilise existing cavities for nesting rather than excavating its own also shows adaptability to various environments.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Wrynecks are not particularly aggressive birds. While males perform displays during breeding season, they generally avoid confrontation. Their cryptic colouration and tendency to rely on camouflage rather than aggression for defence support this lower aggression rating.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Wryneck's long-distance migratory behaviour, flying from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa, indicates considerable endurance. This, combined with its ability to survive in various climates and elevations up to 2000 metres, suggests good stamina, though not exceptional compared to some other migratory species.
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.
Vocalisation
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.
Lifespan
The Wryneck typically lives for 2 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 10 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Eurasian Wryneck, Northern Wryneck
Family:
PicidaePredators
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.
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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FAQs
Why are they called Wrynecks?
Wrynecks have a strange and unique way of defending themselves against predators. These birds extend and twist their neck in a sinuous, snake-like fashion to fool their enemies into thinking they are more dangerous than they really are. They may even hiss to complete the ruse.
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2017. Jynx torquilla (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22680683A111819000.
View source - 4
report, 2015: EBCC
- 1
journalArticle, 2006: Moller, Sociality, age at first reproduction and senescence: comparative analyses of birds, J Evol Biol, 19:682-689
View source