IYNX. 371 



Genus IYNX. 



The genus Jynx of the 10th edition of the ' Systema Naturae ' of 

 Linnaeus was altered in the 12th edition of that work, published in 

 1766, to Yunx (i. p. 172); but the correct spelling appears to be lynx. 

 I. torquilla was the only species known to Linnaeus, 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 Pal^earctic 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 larvae, 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 in trees, generally selecting one ready 

 made, and make no nest. Their eggs are pure white and polished. 



