TYNX. 371 
Genus LYNX. 
The genus Jynx of the 10th edition of the ‘Systema Nature’ of 
Linneus was altered in the 12th edition of that work, published in 
1766, to Yunzx (i. p. 172); but the correct spelling appears to be Iyne. 
I. torquilla was the only species known to Linnzeus, and is therefore the 
type. 
The Wrynecks possess the wedge-shaped bill and the extensile tongue 
of the Woodpeckers, but the tail-feathers, which are ten in number, are not 
stiff and pointed ; the first primary is very minute, and the second, third, 
and fourth are nearly equal and longest. The toes are placed as in the 
Woodpeckers, two before and two behind. The tarsus is scutellated both 
at the front and at the back. The general style of coloration is mottled 
with various shades of brown like the Owls and the Goatsuckers, but the 
wing is barred as in the typical Woodpeckers. 
There are five species of Wrynecks, three of which are inhabitants of 
tropical Africa, one of the Oriental Region, whilst the fifth species is a 
summer visitor to the Palearctic Region, including the British Islands, and 
winters in the Ethiopian and Oriental Regions. 
In their habits the Wrynecks resemble the Woodpeckers in many 
respects. They frequent cultivated and wooded districts, and feed chiefly 
on insects and their larve, for which they search amongst the chinks of 
the bark and in the branches. They also frequent the ground, where they 
search for ants. They only occasionally climb like Woodpeckers, and 
rarely support themselves with their tail. Their flight is undulating and 
rather slow. They breed in holes ia trees, generally selecting one ready 
made, and make no nest. Their eggs are pure white and polished. 
Z2Be 
