THE WEYNECK 



{lynx torquilla) 



The Wryneck, although it can scarcely be regarded as a 

 rare bird, is one that is somewhat locally distributed. It 

 derives its name from its peculiar habit of twisting its head 

 from side to side, and is closely allied to the Woodpeckers, 

 although it differs from those birds in many important 

 particulars of habit and structure. 



It is a migratory bird, and arrives here early in the vernal 

 year, a little before the Cuckoo makes his appearance, so that 

 he is known to the country people as the " Cuckoo's Messen- 

 ger," or " Cuckoo's Mate." The Wryneck is not so strictly 

 confined to the woodlands as the Woodpeckers, because its 

 food is not sought so much upon the timber. It frequents 

 the cultivated districts, well wooded but open localities, 

 orchards, copses, and plantations ; and not unfrequently on 

 the border of the moors its shrill whistle may be heard. It 

 is a shy and wary little creature, and soon takes shelter 

 amongst the foliage when it finds that it is being observed. 

 The love-note of the male Wryneck is only heard in the 

 breeding season, and ceases soon after the female begins to sit. 

 It is a loud, clear, shrill, and oft-repeated cry, resembling the 

 word heel, and cannot well be confused with the note of any 

 other bird. It is a remarkably piercing cry, and may be 

 heard for a considerable distance, especially across open 

 country. I am not aware that the Wryneck utters this note 



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