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Eurasian Wryneck

Jynx torquilla

The Eurasian Wryneck is a special bird that can twist its neck like a snake! It has a beautiful brown and gray pattern that helps it hide in trees. This bird loves to eat ants and beetles.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Eurasian Wryneck is a small, slender bird with cryptic, mottled grey, brown, and rufous plumage, featuring intricate barred and streaked patterns. It has a distinctive dark stripe running from its eye down its neck, and a long tail. Its soft colours help it blend perfectly with tree bark.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPiciformesFamilyPicidaeGenusJynx
Eurasian Wryneck
feathered trait badgesolitary trait badgesinging trait badgearboreal trait badge
Eurasian Wryneck

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

During migration, wrynecks often fly alone, traveling long distances over land and sea!

Sometimes, they visit gardens in autumn, fattening up for their amazing journey south!

Their eggs are surprisingly pure white, often hidden deep inside dark tree cavities.

Unlike other woodpeckers, wrynecks prefer to nest in ready-made holes, not drilling their own!

Special abilities

Ability

Head Spinner

Eurasian Wryneck can turn its head nearly 180 degrees to scan for predators or find hidden insects.

Ability

Snake Charmer

Eurasian Wryneck has a unique defense display, twisting its neck and hissing to mimic a snake and scare off threats.

Ability

Ant Eater

Eurasian Wryneck has a long, sticky tongue to reach deep into ant nests, helping it catch its favorite insect prey.

Ability

Master of Disguise

Eurasian Wryneck has a patterned plumage that perfectly blends with tree bark, helping it hide from predators.

Measurements & details

Length
16-18 cm
Wingspan
25-30 cm
Weight
0.03-0.05 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
7-10
Incubation
11-14 days
Migration Distance
4000 km

Diet & Feeding

Eurasian Wrynecks mainly gobble up ants and other insects using their super-sticky tongue!

Primary Foods

  • Ants
  • Ant larvae
  • Beetles
  • Caterpillars
  • Spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Major food source, found in nests.

eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A common predator of adult wrynecks.

depends on

Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Competes for tree cavities for nesting.

hunts

Black Garden Ant

Lasius niger

Eats larvae and adults from colonies.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eurasian Wryneck?

16-18 cm

What is Eurasian Wryneck's wingspan?

25-30 cm

How much does Eurasian Wryneck weigh?

0.03-0.05 kg

How long does Eurasian Wryneck live?

5-10 years

How fast can Eurasian Wryneck move?

40 km/h

What does Eurasian Wryneck eat?

Eurasian Wrynecks mainly gobble up ants and other insects using their super-sticky tongue!

Where is Eurasian Wryneck usually found?

Forests

How does Eurasian Wryneck hunt?

Foraging

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