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Red-throated Wryneck
Afrikaans name: Draaihals
Red-throated Wryneck
Photo © Steven Herbert
Jynx ruficollis
The Red-throated Wryneck is a member of the Woodpecker family but it feeds only on termites and ants. Much of its time is spent on the ground rather than in trees.
It is found in the eastern half of South Africa as well as a few other places in sub-Saharan Africa.
Red-throated Wrynecks make their nests in cavities in trees. They use a hole made by other birds such as Barbets. They normally lay 3 or 4 eggs which are attended to by both the male and female.
Its preferred habitat is grassland with scattered trees.
References and further reading
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 91Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Year Published: 1992 - Page: 63
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 49
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 136
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 423
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 420
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 280