16 to17 cm long with a wingspan of 25 to 27 cm. Its cryptic coloration suggests a nightjar. The bird is small with a complex plumage pattern. It is grayish overall with brown and buff mottling. Wintering grounds range from sub-Sahara Africa to Indian and southeast Asia.
Wrynecks prefer open forests, clearings, and woodlands with low undergrowth.
This close-up shows the facial patterns and small thin bill. The chin pattern is buff with barring. The thin bill and barring on the chin and breast can also be seen here. The Rufous-necked Wryneck has a rufous throat and breast. A dark patch that extends from the nape to the back.