Red-throated Wryneck

Jynx ruficollis · Species of bird from sub-Saharan Africa
Order
Piciformes
Codes
runwry1, RNWR, RTWR

About the Red-throated Wryneck

The red-throated wryneck, also known as the rufous-necked wryneck or red-breasted wryneck, is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family closely related to the Eurasian wryneck. Its three subspecies are resident in much of sub-Saharan Africa in open habitats with some trees. It is a slim, elongated bird about 19 cm (7.5 in) in length, with a small head, fine bill, long fan-shaped tail and cryptic plumage intricately patterned in greys and browns. The sexes look similar, although males are slightly larger. The diet of the adults and young is almost entirely ants at all stages of their life cycles. The call of the red-throated wryneck is a series of repeated harsh, shrill notes. When threatened, a bird will twist its neck and head in a snake-like manner while making a hissing sound, presumably to deter predators.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPiciformes
FamilyWoodpeckers (Picidae)
SpeciesJynx ruficollis
Species Codesrunwry1, RNWR, RTWR

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Red-throated Wryneck belong to?

The Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis) belongs to the Woodpeckers family (Picidae), in the order Piciformes.

How can I identify the Red-throated Wryneck?

The red-throated wryneck, also known as the rufous-necked wryneck or red-breasted wryneck, is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family closely related to the Eurasian wryneck. Its three subspecies are resident in much of sub-Saharan Africa in open habitats with some trees. It is a slim, elongat...

Where can I report a Red-throated Wryneck sighting?

You can log sightings of Red-throated Wryneck on eBird (ebird.org) using species code runwry1, or on iNaturalist.