138 



BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



Mri?nccR, 



^ UNCA A/ -" ^^^2^^ 



The Wryneck ( Yimx torquilla^ Linnaeus) is a spring visitor 

 to the British Isles ; it is also found inhabiting the Pale- 

 arctic Region, with the exception of the extreme north, 

 wintering in Northern Africa, India, and China. The adult 

 has the ground colour above, yellowish-grey, beautifully 

 mottled and vermiculated with blackish-brown ; wings, 

 brown, having dull chestnut bars on the outer webs ; under 

 parts, buff, with a dark brown subterminal spot or bar on 

 each feather; tail, ashy-brown, vermiculated and barred 

 with black; irides, pale brown; bill, legs, and feet, brown. 

 Length, between six and seven inches. The female is 

 similar to the male. The young are duller above, and 

 conspicuously marked underneath with black. 



