| Length: 7 inches | Wingspan: 10.5 inches | Seasonality: Non-resident in South Dakota |
| ID Keys: Tannish-gray overall with buffy and brown barring, dark eye stripe, darker wings. Very well camouflaged. | ||
The
Eurasian Wryneck is a very unusual member of the Woodpecker family, with a
normal range that spans across much of Europe and Asia. In North
America, they are known from a handful of sightings in extreme western
Alaska. Curiously,
in February of 2000, a dead Eurasian Wryneck was found in Indiana.
The source of the Indiana bird is in question, but it is possible it was a
natural lost migrant, given the species strong migratorial tendencies.
The term "Wryneck" refers to their capability to turn their heads 180
degrees, a capability they take advantage of when disturbed, as they will
turn their heads and hiss at threats.
Habitat: Found in open forests, woodland clearings, and brushy areas.
Diet: Feeds heavily on insects, with a very strong preference for feeding on ants.
Behavior: Spends most of its time on the ground, foraging for ants and other insects. They only rarely will forage in trees.
Nesting: Nests in cavities, using existing cavities built by other species rather than excavating its own.
Migration: Breeds across a very large swath of Europe and northern Asia. Highly migratory, with birds wintering in central Africa and southern Asia.
Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Eurasian Wryneck sightings
Similar Species: Definitely unique compared to any other woodpecker species that has been seen in North America.
Conservation Status: Populations may be in decline globally, but they are still found over a wide geographic range and are relatively common in some areas. The IUCN lists the Eurasian Wryneck as a species of "Least Concern".
Further Information: 1) BirdLife International - Eurasian Wryneck
2) Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - Wryneck
3) Woodpeckers of Europe - Wryneck
Photo Information: Photo taken by Tarique Sani - December 16th, 2009 - Nimji, Maharashtra, India - Photo licensed under Creative Commons Attribution NonCommerical ShareAlike 2.0 Generic License.
| Click below for a higher-resolution map |
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| South Dakota Status: Non-resident in South Dakota |
Additional Eurasian Wryneck Photos (coming soon!!)
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