The red-throated wryneck (Jynx ruficollis ) is a species of wryneck in the woodpecker family. It is also known as the rufous-necked wryneck, red-breasted wryneck, African wryneck, or rufous-throated wryneck.
This species is resident in sub-Saharan Africa, grasslands, and is the nonmigratory counterpart of the Eurasian wryneck. The bird can be seen in the savannah, secondary woodlands and woodland edges. They requires trees with old woodpecker or barbet holes for nesting.
It has cryptic plumage, with intricate patterning of greys and browns. The voice is a nasal, woodpecker-like call.
The red-throated wryneck has three subspecies:
