BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 215 



Subfamily, IYNGID^ (Wrynecks). 



THE WRYNECK 



(lynx torquilla). 

 Plate 66. 



The loud ringing ' Qui, qui, qui ■" of the Wiyneck, 

 while slightly resembling a Kestrel's cry, is not altogether 

 unsuggestive of a Woodpecker, and many features and 

 habits of the bird also betray a relationship with the 

 members of that group. Its curious, snake-like movements 

 and the dark lines on the delicately pencilled brown 

 plumage are as typical as the note. When disturbed in 

 its nesting-hole it utters a hissing sound, which, with the 

 movements refen-ed to, gives appropriateness to the popular 

 name * Snake-Bird.'' Altogether it is a quite unmistakable 

 species. 



It is only, however, in a rather limited area of the 

 British Isles that the Wryneck is to be seen and heard 

 — namely, the Midlands and more southerly and easterly 

 portions of England. In this area it is a breeding species, 

 but is absent in winter. Towards the west and in Wales 

 it becomes rare, and the same is true of the north. In 

 Scotland it is known as a migrant on the east coast, but 

 otherwise only as an exceptional wanderer. From Ireland 

 it is seldom recorded. 



In England the Wryneck puts in an appearance in the 

 first half of April, about the same time as, or just before, 

 the aiTival of the Cuckoo. From this the names ' Cuckoo's 

 Mate "* and ' Cuckoo's Leader ' are derived. These popular 

 names are widespread on the Continent as well as in 

 England. Before the end of September the Wryneck has 

 usually quitted our shores ; but owing to its skulking 



