Latin Etymology: Jynx (derived from Ancient Greek name for species) torquilla ("to twist")
Adult Eurasian Wryneck (subspecies J. t. torquilla) at Borough Hill, Daventry - May 2021
Featured Subspecies: Jynx torquilla torquilla
Weight: 30-45g / Length: 16-17cm / Wingspan: 25-27cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Arguably the most cryptic regular species to be found in the UK, the Eurasian Wryneck is, despite appearances, a species of specialised woodpecker, adapted for feeding on ants on the ground. They were formerly a fairly widespread breeder, but are considered extinct in the UK in that capacity, although still seen on passage anually, with sporafic breeding attempts. Their names comes from the unusal twisting motion of the neck when startled.
Related Species:
Order: Piciformes
Family: Picidae
Genus: Jynx
SUBSPECIES: J. t. torquilla, J. t. tschusii, J. t. mauretanica, J. t. himalayana
- Sighting Locations -
UNITED KINGDOM - A former breeding Summer migrant, now an occasional breeder and passage migrant
- A bird on passage seen at Borough Hill, Daventry in May 2021.
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