Current status
The wryneck was formerly common in central and south-east England, breeding north to Durham and Cumbria, and west to Devon and Wales. The population declined to 150-400 pairs in south-east England by 1954-1958, 20-30 pairs in 1966 and one pair in 1973. Since then there has been only sporadic breeding in England. Habitat was typically orchards or over-mature woodland close to unimproved grassland rich in ants, their main prey. In Scotland, birds (probably of Scandinavian origin) were first recorded in Highland pine and birch woods in 1951. Breeding was first confirmed in 1969 with a peak of seven pairs in 1977. Colonisation has since faltered, with no more than one pair confirmed in any year since 1985. It bred successfully in 1993, but there was no recorded breeding in 1994. The wryneck is a regular migrant to sites in eastern Britain. The European population is estimated at 350,000-1,000,000 pairs.
The wryneck is specially protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is protected as a migratory species under the EC Birds Directive.
Current factors causing loss or decline
Loss of feeding habitat. This has been due to ploughing of downland and unimproved grassland, and degradation of pasture due to myxomatosis and the decline of rabbits. The latter changed ant populations, reduced ant densities, or made them unavailable.
Loss of nesting habitat, especially the felling of orchards and over-mature trees, which were replaced by orchards of young trees or converted to arable.
Increasing use of pesticides. In common with a number of other species, the wryneck population decline coincided with the increasing use of agricultural chemicals in lowland habitats. It seems likely that this reduced the amount of insect food available.
Current action
Any breeding pairs discovered are monitored and protected.
The encouragement of
Caledonian pine forest expansion and other mature, native woodland in Scotland is likely to provide core breeding and feeding areas.
Action plan objectives and targets
Retain the wryneck as a regular breeding species in the UK.
Proposed actions with lead agencies
Policy and legislation
Ensure the protection of remaining fragments of mature pine and broadleaved forest in Strathspey and the restoration or expansion of these habitats into appropriate areas. (ACTION: SNH, FA, FE)
Site safeguard and management
Ensure that appropriate protection is given to any regularly used nesting localities. (ACTION: SNH, FE)
Manage or encourage management of Caledonian Pine Forest reserves to promote mature and overmature components, with a high proportion of standing dead trees. (ACTION: SNH, FA)
In the light of the conclusions of 5.5.2, consider whether a programme of experimental habitat management of appropriate sites is necessary. (ACTION: SNH, NE)
Species management and protection
Ensure that breeding pairs of wrynecks found in Scotland or England in future years are monitored, and protected from disturbance or persecution. (ACTION: SNH, NE)
Advisory
None proposed.
Future Research and Monitoring
Ensure all recent nest sites are checked annually and monitor all breeding attempts. Liaise with the Rare Birds Breeding Panel to obtain additional information. (ACTION: SNH, NE)
Investigate wryneck ecology through a desk study of food and habitat requirements of European populations, particularly Scandinavian. (ACTION: SNH, NE)
Communications and Publicity
Ensure that breeding sites of wrynecks are kept confidential, in liaison with bird information services. (ACTION: SNH, NE)
Links with other action plans
None given.
Publication details
Originally published in: UK Biodiversity Group Tranche 2 Action Plans - Volume I: Vertebrates and vascular plants (June 1998, Tranche 2, Vol I, p69)
Related links
ARKive Visit the ARKive website to view images and further information relating to this species