Wryneck
Jynx torquilla (Linnaeus, 1758)
WY
WRYNE
8480
Family: Piciformes > Picidae
This former breeder was once a common bird across much of central and southern England, favouring commons, heathland, orchards, parkland and larger gardens.
This small woodpecker, with its delicately-patterned plumage, is now only a very occasional breeder and typically only seen on passage during autumn and spring.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Wryneck
Identification
Wryneck identification is usually straightforward.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to example recordings of the main vocalisations of Wryneck, provided by xeno-canto contributors.
Song
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Least Concern |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | Yes |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
|
Listed on the Annexes of
|
WCA(I,IV), Bern(III) |
POPULATION SIZE
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
1544 |
POPULATION CHANGE
Historically, the Wryneck was a widespread breeding species in the UK (Monk 1963) but substantial declines have occurred and the last confirmed breeding record was in 2002 (RBBP data). Occasional records of singing males still occur but the species is believed to be extinct as a breeding species in the UK.
DISTRIBUTION
A former breeder, Wrynecks were not confirmed to breed during Bird Atlas 2007–11. Possible breeding evidence was recorded in 12 10-km squares and probable breeding was noted in just one square. Most records were in the Scottish Highlands, with a marked concentration in Strathspey, and refer to singing males.
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in breeding season | 13 |
| % occupied in breeding season | 0.4 |
| No. occupied in winter | 2 |
| % occupied in winter | 0.07 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution Change 1968–72 to 2008–11.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution Change 1981–84 to 2007–11
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
| % change in range in breeding season (1968–72 to 2008–11) | -72.9% |
SEASONALITY
Wryneck is a former breeding species, now rare passage migrant of early spring. It is more likely to be encountered in autumn, especially in August and September.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
An overview of year-round movements for the whole of Europe can be seen on the EuroBirdPortal viewer.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Foreign locations of birds ringed or recovered in Britain & Ireland
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Wryneck, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
|
Number of Broods
|
1–2 (3) |
|
Egg Size
|
20×15 mm Weight = 2.7 g (of which 7% is shell) |
SURVIVAL & LONGEVITY
View number ringed each year in the Online Ringing Report
|
Typical Lifespan
|
2 years with breeding typically at 1 year |
|
Adult Survival
|
0.38
|
BIOMETRICS
|
Wing Length
|
Adults | 90.3±2.6 | Range 86–94mm, N=41 |
| Juveniles | 90.2±3 | Range 84-95mm, N=77 |
|
Body Weight
|
Adults | 33.4±5.15 | Range 27.3–44.1g, N=41 |
| Juveniles | 33.4±4.3206 | Range 27.5–42.0g, N=71 |
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Ring size
|
B |
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: WY | 5-letter code: WRYNE | Euring: 8480 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Gaelic: Geocair
Welsh: Pengam
Catalan: colltort comú
Czech: krutihlav obecný
Danish: Vendehals
Dutch: Draaihals
Estonian: väänkael
Finnish: käenpiika
French: Torcol fourmilier
German: Wendehals
Hungarian: nyaktekercs
Icelandic: Gauktíta
Irish: Cam-Mhuin
Italian: Torcicollo
Latvian: titinš
Lithuanian: eurazine gražiagalve
Norwegian: Vendehals
Polish: kretoglów (zwyczajny)
Portuguese: torcicolo
Slovak: krutohlav hnedý
Slovenian: vijeglavka
Spanish: Torcecuello euroasiático
Swedish: göktyta
Folkname: Snakebird, Cuckoo's Mate
Research
Interpretation and scientific publications about Wryneck from BTO scientists.
CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
Causes of change
The decline and extinction of this species in the UK is believed to have been driven by a drop in food availability caused by a shortage of bare ground and short vegetation, although a number of other factors may have contributed including agricultural intensification, climate change, an increase in conifer plantations and the effects of pesticides (Balmer et al. 2013).
Links to more information from ConservationEvidence.com
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