The Eurasian wryneck (Jynx torquilla) is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family (Picidae). This species mainly breeds in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Most populations are migratory including those who nest in Italy; where can be seen in coasts of province of Salerno.During winter, it migrates in tropical Africa and in southern Asia from Iran to India, but some are resident in northwestern Africa.
The upperparts of its plumage are barred and mottled in shades of pale brown with rufous and blackish bars and wider black stripes, and the underparts are cream speckled and spotted with brown; a characteristic for getting easily camouflaged. It has a remarkable ability to twist its neck and head through almost 180 degrees while hissing like a snake and, most of the times, its predator abandons the attack.
It is a bird of open countryside, woodland, gardens, and orchards.The diet of the Eurasian wryneck consists chiefly of ants but beetles and their larvae, moths, spiders and woodlice are also eaten.
In contrast to the other woodpeckers, it does not dig directly the tree trunk but lays its eggs into the tree hollows.
Photo gallery
Video
Notes
BirdLife International 2004. Jynx torquilla. In: IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Versione 2010.1