crossword clue extinct bird – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "extinct bird," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate and comprehensive solutions, along with helpful explanations to expand your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "crossword clue extinct bird" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MOA: A large, flightless bird native to New Zealand, extinct by the 15th century due to human hunting.
AUK: Refers specifically to the Great Auk, a large, flightless seabird of the North Atlantic, hunted to extinction in the mid-19th century.
ROC: A mythical bird of prey, enormous in size, often associated with tales of adventure and widely considered to be extinct in legend.
4 Letters
DODO: A flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius, famously driven to extinction in the 17th century by human activity.
More About "crossword clue extinct bird"
The term "extinct bird" often brings to mind iconic species that have vanished from our planet. The Dodo, a flightless pigeon from Mauritius, became a symbol of extinction due to human overexploitation and the introduction of invasive species. Its disappearance in the 17th century serves as a stark reminder of humanity's impact on biodiversity.
Beyond the Dodo, other notable extinct birds frequently appear in crosswords. The Moa, a giant flightless bird from New Zealand, was hunted to extinction by the Māori people. The Great Auk, a large, flightless seabird of the North Atlantic, suffered a similar fate due to hunting for its feathers, meat, and oil. These birds, along with many others like the Passenger Pigeon or Carolina Parakeet, represent a tragic loss of avian diversity, often highlighting the consequences of human expansion and environmental change.
While most answers refer to genuinely extinct species, some crossword puzzles may occasionally include mythical birds like the Roc for clues hinting at something ancient or legendary, blurring the lines between fact and folklore in a playful way.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check for common patterns: Many crossword answers for 'extinct bird' are short, often 3-4 letters (e.g., DODO, MOA, AUK). Keep these in mind as frequently recurring solutions.
- Consider the context: While rare, sometimes 'extinct bird' can refer to a legendary or mythical creature if the puzzle has a fantasy theme or a more obscure angle, so don't rule out options like 'ROC' entirely.
- Think geographically: Extinct birds are often associated with specific regions. For example, the Dodo is linked to Mauritius, and the Moa to New Zealand. This geographical connection can sometimes provide a helpful hint for solving.
- Utilize intersecting letters: If you have a few letters from crossing words, it can quickly narrow down the possibilities for these common answers. Pay close attention to the number of letters required.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common answer for 'extinct bird' in crosswords?
The DODO is arguably the most common answer, frequently appearing due to its cultural recognition and convenient four-letter length. MOA and AUK are also very popular choices in many puzzles.
Do crosswords sometimes include mythical birds for 'extinct bird' clues?
Yes, occasionally clues like 'mythical extinct bird' or simply 'extinct bird' might refer to legendary creatures like the ROC, especially in puzzles with a broader thematic scope or those looking for less common answers.
How can I remember extinct bird names for future crosswords?
Focus on the most famous ones: DODO, MOA, and AUK. Learn a short fact about each to link it to the clue, such as their origin or what made them unique. Regularly solving crosswords will also help ingrain these common answers into your memory.