Red-throated Wryneck

Jynx ruficollis Wagler, 1830

Red-throated Wryneck, Jynx ruficollis, is a woodpecker found across Africa, where it is widespread in the breeding season. It lives in open country with scattered trees and is resident through much of sub-Saharan Africa. This slim, elongated bird has a small head, a fine bill and a long fan-shaped tail, with plumage that is intricately marked in greys and browns. The sexes are alike, though males are slightly larger. It nests in existing tree holes, often reusing old barbet or woodpecker nests, and its diet is made up almost entirely of ants.

Order

Piciformes

Family

Picidae — Woodpeckers

Breeding range

Africa: widespread