Wryneck (Jynx torquilla) | Species | ||||
 (1/500th sec at f10. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) DescriptionL: 16 - 17cm WS: 25 - 27cm Wrynecks are small sparrow-sized birds, appearing greyish overall, with brown and buff mottling. They have a contrasting dark band running down from the back of the head onto the back. It is is a summer visitor in most of Europe. It spends the winter in Africa. It used to breed in Britain, but is now an autumn migrant in small numbers to sites on eastern and southern coasts. A few are also seen each spring. Breeding habitat is open country with orchards, scrubby pasture, open woodland, copses, etc. Wrynecks feed almost exclusively on ants, and are seen mainly on the ground. They do not often climb up vertical trunks or branches like other woodpeckers. It is listed under Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act. Sightings
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