WRYNECK SWIFT 45 



(2) Family : lyngince Wrynecks 



86. Wryneck [lynx torquilla torquilla Linnaeus]. Summer 

 visitor. Rare except in wooded 

 districts of S.E. England. Bird of 



Bird. Length 7 in. Recognised 

 by the variegated pattern of its 

 plumage. The toes, two in front 

 and two behind. The upper-parts 

 are mostly covered with an intricate 

 pattern of grey mixed with brown, 



buff, and whitish, heavily marked with dusky streaks. The 

 erectile crown is barred with chestnut and spotted white. 

 The brown wing quills are spotted with chestnut to form a 

 chess-board pattern. Irregular dusky bars on the greyish 

 tail. Under-parts chiefly buff, deeper on the throat and breast, 

 with dusky bars and V-shaped striations. The young lack the 

 heavy dusky streaks on the back. 



Nest. Place : usually a hole in a tree not bored by the 

 bird. Also holes in banks. Material : none. 



Eggs. Usually 7-8. White. Av. size, -80 x '60 in. Laying 

 begins May-June. One brood. 



(3) Family : Cypselidce Swifts 



87- Swift [Apus apus apus (Linnseus) ; Cypselus apus (Lin- 

 naeus)]. Summer visitor, scarce in N. Scotland. Bird of 

 passage (E. Clarke). 



Bird. Length 7 in. Differs from the Swallows, 

 Martins, and all other Passerine birds in having all four 

 toes directed forward. It may further be distinguished 

 from the swallow and the martin by its 

 larger size, and the long, narrow, scythe- 

 shaped wings equal to the body in length. 

 Plumage sooty black, except the throat, 

 which is dull white. Faint bronze-green 

 gloss on upper side of body. 



Nest. Place : under eaves, in holes or 

 crevices of buildings ; occasionally in 

 crevices of rocks and quarries. Material : 

 a scanty lining of straw, feathers, and other material picked up 

 by the bird on the wing and cemented together with its saliva. 



Eggs. Usually 2-3. White. Av. size, '98 x *63 in. Laying 

 begins end May or early June. One brood. 



