Wryneck
/ˈraɪ.nɛk/noun
A bird known for its ability to twist its neck in unusual positions.
Did you know?In folklore, the wryneck was believed to be a bird of ill omen, associated with witchcraft and shape-shifting magic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*wrijanō
“to twist or bend”
Old English
OE
wrynecca
“a bird that twists its neck”
Middle English
ME
wryneck
“the name for a specific type of twisting bird”
Modern English
Eng
wryneck
“the current name for a bird known for its distinctive neck movements”