Eurasian Wryneck

Latin Name: 
Jynx torquilla
Category: 
Size: 
17cm
Description: 

A small, rather reptilian-looking woodpecker, the colour of tree bark. Basically grey and brown with dark eyestripes and dark stripe running from crown to rump. Underparts barred and throat warm buff. Tail long and barred, making it look rather shrikelike in flight. Bill short and pointed. Twists neck round and often raises crown feathers. Sexes alike.

Habitat: 
Breeds in forest edges in northern mountains. Elsewhere in scrub and cultivation. Unobtrusively feeds with long tongue on ants on ground and tree branches (shown). Does not drill holes or use tail as support. Nests in tree hole.
Distribution: 
Breeds in Kashmir. Scarce but widespread winter visitor mainly to northern areas.
Call: 
Call Description: 
High pitched pee…pee… pee. Hisses in nest.