Jynx ruficollis
The Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis) is a fascinating member of the woodpecker family (Picidae), though it deviates significantly from the typical 'woodpecker' image. Measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing 50-70 grams, its plumage is a masterclass in cryptic camouflage, featuring intricate patterns of browns, greys, and black streaks that blend seamlessly with tree bark. A distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) throat and upper breast provide its common name an...
Primarily found in open woodlands, savannas, acacia bushveld, orchards, and gardens, often favoring areas with scattered trees. It occurs from sea level up to elevations of 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) in some mountainous regions.
Its diet consists almost entirely of ants and their pupae, which it extracts using its long, barbed tongue, often foraging on the ground or climbing trees.
This diurnal bird is typically solitary outside of the breeding season, foraging quietly both on tree trunks and on the ground. Its foraging strategy involves probing crevices and ant nests with its long, sticky tongue, specializing almost exclusively on ants and their larvae. Unlike typical wood...
The Red-throated Wryneck boasts a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly south of the Sahara Desert. Its breeding range extends from Senegal and Gambia in the west, eastward through the Democratic Republic of Congo, and south to Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is also found e...
Least Concern
- The name 'wryneck' comes from its remarkable defensive display where it twists its head and neck almost 180 degrees, often hissing, resembling a snake. This behavior is sometimes called 'ophiognomy'. - Unlike true woodpeckers, Red-throated Wrynecks have soft tail feathers and do not use their t...