sahakärki

Sahakärki is the Finnish name for the Eurasian wryneck (Jynx torquilla), a migratory bird in the woodpecker family. This small, intricately camouflaged bird is unique among woodpeckers for its primarily insectivorous diet and its ability to forage on the ground. Its plumage is a complex mottling of grays, browns, and whites, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark and leaf litter.

The Eurasian wryneck is found across a broad range in Europe and Asia, inhabiting open woodlands, orchards, and parks. Its nesting habits are also distinctive; rather than excavating its own cavity, it typically uses old woodpecker holes or natural tree crevices. When threatened, the wryneck exhibits a remarkable defense mechanism: it can rotate its head almost 180 degrees and hiss, mimicking the appearance and sound of a snake.

During the breeding season, the male wryneck's song is a repetitive, descending whistle. Its diet consists mainly of ants and their larvae, which it extracts from the ground or from insect nests using its long, sticky tongue. The wryneck is a migratory species, with populations in Europe wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. The name "sahakärki" itself translates loosely to "saw beak," possibly referring to the bird's characteristic movements or its feeding habits.