Jynx torquilla
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Mass
~35 g
Habitat
Woodlands and parks
Diet
Insects and invertebrates
How to recognize it
The Eurasian Wryneck has a quiet, almost secretive look, with a slim shape that feels more like a small woodland perch-er than a typical woodpecker. On a tree trunk it can sit so still that it seems to melt into the bark.
It is usually shy and not very noisy, but in spring the male can give a long, repetitive call while trying to attract a mate. When alarmed, it twists its neck in a striking, snake-like way and hisses, which makes it especially memorable.
It favours open woodland, orchards, gardens and parks, especially places with old trees and ready-made holes. Most of its meals are ants and other small insects, gathered mainly from the ground or from branches, and most populations move far south for the winter.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Eurasian Wryneck has a quiet, almost secretive look, with a slim shape that feels more like a small woodland perch-er than a typical woodpecker. On a tree trunk it can sit so still that it seems to melt into the bark.
It is usually shy and not very noisy, but in spring the male can give a long, repetitive call while trying to attract a mate. When alarmed, it twists its neck in a striking, snake-like way and hisses, which makes it especially memorable.
It favours open woodland, orchards, gardens and parks, especially places with old trees and ready-made holes. Most of its meals are ants and other small insects, gathered mainly from the ground or from branches, and most populations move far south for the winter.
