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A photo of a Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
Eurasian Wryneck

Eurasian Wryneck

Jynx torquilla

The Eurasian wryneck or northern wryneck (Jynx torquilla) is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family. This species mainly breeds in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Most populations are migratory, wintering in tropical Africa and in southern Asia from Iran to the Indian subcontinent, but some are resident in northwestern Africa. It is a bird of open countryside, woodland and orchards. Eurasian wrynecks measure about 16.5 cm in length and have bills shorter and less dagger-like than those of other woodpeckers. Their upperparts are barred and mottled in shades of pale brown with rufous and blackish bars and wider black streaks. Their underparts are cream speckled and spotted with brown. Their chief prey is ants and other insects, which they find in decaying wood or on the ground. The eggs are white as is the case with many birds that nest in holes and a clutch of seven to ten eggs is laid during May and June. These birds get their English name from their ability to turn their heads through almost 180 degrees. When disturbed at the nest, they use this snake-like head twisting and hissing as a threat display. This odd behaviour led to their use in witchcraft, hence to put a "jinx" on someone.
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Eurasian Wrynecks on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A photo of a Wryneck photographed in Teesside South Gare United Kingdom
Profile picture for Morgan Robson-Young
Morgan Robson-Young
Tuesday 19 Sep 2023 - 2:09pm
United Kingdom
A map showing the sighting location
🦖
Nicolas Rocca
Sunday 17 Sep 2023 - 6:21am
Germany
A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Losan XU
Friday 15 Sep 2023 - 2:55am
China
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Claudio Danesi
Claudio Danesi
Thursday 14 Sep 2023 - 1:13pm
Switzerland
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