Eurasian Wryneck

Also known as Wryneck, Northern wryneck, Jynx torquilla

species of bird

AI overview

The Eurasian Wryneck is a small woodpecker-related bird found across Europe and Asia that gets its name from its ability to twist its head and neck in unusual ways. It matters as an indicator of environmental health because its presence or absence in an area can signal changes in insect populations and habitat conditions that affect the broader ecosystem.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Eurasian Wryneck

species

Observations11,342

via

Wikidata facts

Instance of: taxon
Parent taxon: Jynx
Award: Bird of the Year
Mass: 37
Image: Jynx torquilla vlaskop cropped.jpg

Show 14 more facts

taxon rank: species
IUCN conservation status: Least Concern
taxon name: Jynx torquilla
Commons category: Jynx torquilla
Commons gallery: Jynx torquilla
described by source: Pauly–Wissowa
wingspan: 26
litter size: 9.2
egg incubation period: 13
taxon common name: torcicolo-eurasiático
diel cycle: diurnality
short name: J. torquilla
taxon range: Africa
regional conservation status: Near Threatened

Sources (14)

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Encyclopedic overview

The Eurasian wryneck or northern wryneck (Jynx torquilla) is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family. It 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 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) 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.

Excerpted from Wikipedia’s “Eurasian Wryneck” article, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.