Wildlife

UK Wryneck Conservation and Migration

Conservation and welfare of wrynecks as rare migrants to the UK from continental populations.

Key Facts

Wrynecks no longer breed regularly in England following population collapse
They are now seen mainly as autumn migrants on the east and south coasts
Wrynecks are related to woodpeckers but nest in pre-existing holes
Males produce a distinctive wailing call that led to the name wryneck
European breeding populations have also declined significantly in recent decades

Welfare Considerations

Migratory wrynecks face welfare challenges during long-distance migration and habitat finding on arrival, with coastal habitat conservation supporting survival during stopovers.

What You Can Do

Record wryneck sightings at coastal migration watchpoints in autumn
Support coastal habitat conservation at known migration stopover sites
Learn wryneck identification to contribute to population monitoring