Definition & Meaning of "wryneck"

What is a "wryneck"?

A is a captivating bird species found in parts of Europe and Asia. Its name derives from its remarkable ability to twist and contort its neck in an unusual manner, often assuming a twisted or "wry" position. With a compact body and cryptic plumage, wrynecks are expertly camouflaged among tree trunks and branches. These birds have a mottled pattern of brown, gray, and buff feathers that aid in their concealment. Wrynecks are primarily insectivorous, using their long, sticky tongues to extract ants, beetles, and other small invertebrates from crevices and cracks. They are known for their distinct and repetitive call, a series of rattling notes that echoes through woodlands during the breeding season. During courtship displays, the male wryneck performs elaborate movements, including bowing, wing flicking, and head twisting, as it tries to attract a mate.