Paulo J. S. G. Ferreira
Wryneck
and
Torcicolo
. It is a Summer visitor to Europe (mostly
May to September), and winters in Africa. Nest: uses existing tree-hole.
Eggs: 7-10, white, 21 mm.
Unlike other Woodpeckers, it does not climb using the tail as support. But
just as many other Woodpeckers, it has a very long tongue, about five times
the length of its bill, which it uses to reach and grasp the prey (favorite
food: insects, especially ants).
The Wryneck easily escapes detection. Both sexes are alike, and look rather
greyish unless a good view is obtained. At close range, the detailed
patterning is apparent, and quite distinctive. This small
AVI movie
is also interesting: it illustrates
its behavior when caught or scared. Note the snaking, twisting movements of
neck (the reason for its common name).
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