Throughout the majority of the Western Palearctic a summer visitor only, and especially so in Portugal apart from the south western corner, (that thankfully includes the Quinta). However, though resident in this area, Wrynecks are incredibly difficult to observe being both shy and cryptic to the point of invisibility. I have included in the pictures below a shot of one that emphasises this, though have edited it to make the individual concerned more obvious than it actually appeared at the time.
It is much smaller than one imagines, being roughly the same size as a Sparrow, and is usually found by listening for its distinctively loud call. Flight is rapid and straight with no undulations.
