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Glite Dictionary
🤕 Twisted neck 🐦 A woodpecker
wryneck

wryneck

9.9
A small woodpecker from Europe and Asia that twists its neck like a snake when scared
  • noun
  • /ˈraɪˌnɛk/
  • UK
translation icon : pájaro carpintero
  • The wryneck twisted its neck in a snake-like fashion to escape the predator.

Examples

  • Unlike most woodpeckers, the wryneck rarely drums on trees.

  • The wryneck startled the researchers with its unusual twisting motion.

  • During migration, a wryneck was spotted in the park by local birdwatchers.

  • The wryneck is a fascinating bird.

  • Have you ever seen a wryneck in the wild?

  • Birdwatchers were excited to observe the wryneck demonstrating its unique neck movement.

  • A wryneck can often be recognized by its ability to turn its head in striking positions.

Synonyms

woodpecker
vswryneck
21 1.4

A bird with a strong beak that makes holes in trees to find insects

is a specific Old World type noted for twisting its neck when threatened
genus Jynx
vswryneck
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small birds like woodpeckers called wrynecks that move their necks in a twisting way

is the common name for that same group rather than a scientific label

Surface Forms

wryneck singular
wrynecks plural

Morphology

wryneck = wry + neck (semi-transparent) = wry + neck

The bird name is a descriptive compound 'wry' + 'neck' referring to the bird's twisting behaviour, but knowing the parts does not by itself indicate that the referent is a specific species of bird.

Etymology

Wryneck is the same idea for the bird: the name is wry 'twisted' + neck because this woodpecker often twists its neck in a strange, snake-like way, and its older name Jynx from Greek also points to that twisting habit.