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. They feed almost exclusively on ants and unlike other woodpeckers, are seen mainly on the ground, and do not often climb up vertical trunks or branches.
Key ID Features:
Both sexes similarly have cryptic plumage and smaller than all but Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
Mottled brown wings separate the grey head and back with a dark central stripe and the long, grey, sparsely barred tail.
A dark eye stripe sits above buff streaked cheeks ans throat.
Underparts are pale but also barred.
Grey bill is short and pointed.
Does not use its tail as a climbing support but tends to perch on wires, posts and scrub before hopping to the ground to feed, often with slightly raised tail.
Flight is much less undulating than other woodpeckers.
Overview
Scientific name: Jynx torquilla
Family: Wrynecks and woodpeckers (Picidae)
Where to see them:
The wryneck is still a regular autumn migrant in small numbers to sites in eastern and southern coasts, and a few are seen each spring. Occasionally seen in gardens in autumn.
Seen in UK:
Best looked for on autumn passage in August and September but can be seen in spring, usually May.
What they eat
Ants.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Location: Portland Bill, Dorset
Photographer: Tim Tapley
