diving bird crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "diving bird". Whether you're looking for a quick answer or want to understand the different possibilities, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "diving bird crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
AUK: A type of diving seabird, common in northern waters.
4 Letters
LOON: A large aquatic bird known for its diving ability and distinctive calls, found in North America and Eurasia.
TERN: A type of seabird that dives for fish, often confused with gulls but generally more graceful fliers.
5 Letters
GREBE: A freshwater diving bird, notable for its elaborate courtship rituals and ability to dive deep for fish.
6 Letters
PUFFIN: A small, colorful diving seabird with a large beak, often found in northern coastal regions.
9 Letters
MERGANSER: A type of diving duck with a long, serrated bill, specialized for catching fish.
CORMORANT: A large, dark diving bird with a long neck, typically found near coasts and inland waters, known for perching with wings outstretched to dry.
More About "diving bird crossword puzzle clue"
Diving birds are a fascinating category of avian species, uniquely adapted for an aquatic lifestyle. They possess streamlined bodies, dense bones for buoyancy control, and powerful webbed feet often positioned far back on their bodies to act like propellers underwater. Their feathers are typically dense and waterproof, often requiring specific preening and drying behaviors, such as the iconic wing-spreading of cormorants.
These birds hunt their prey, primarily fish, by plunging into the water from the surface or diving from the air. Their incredible underwater agility allows them to pursue and capture fast-moving targets. Common examples range from the graceful loons and grebes of freshwater lakes to the hardy auks and puffins of the open ocean, each evolving specific techniques for their respective environments.
In crosswords, "diving bird" is a common clue due to the diverse range of species that fit the description and their often memorable names. Identifying the correct answer often depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting letters from other clues, guiding solvers to specific candidates like AUK, LOON, or MERGANSER.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters the puzzle requires. This immediately narrows down possibilities for "diving bird" clues to specific candidates like AUK (3 letters), LOON (4 letters), or MERGANSER (9 letters).
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue might include additional hints, such as "northern diving bird," "freshwater diving bird," or "oceanic diving bird." These specifics can guide you towards particular species like a grebe for freshwater or a puffin for oceanic contexts.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: The letters you've already filled in from crossing words are your best friends. Use them to confirm or rule out potential answers for "diving bird." If you have 'O_O_' for 4 letters, LOON becomes a very strong candidate.
- Think About Common Crossword Answers: Certain words appear frequently in crosswords due to their common usage and letter patterns. AUK, LOON, and GREBE are very common answers for this type of clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common diving birds found in crosswords?
Some of the most common diving birds appearing in crossword puzzles include AUK, LOON, GREBE, PUFFIN, and CORMORANT. Their distinct names and characteristics make them popular clues for various letter lengths.
How can I identify a diving bird in a crossword?
Look for clues related to their habitat (sea, lake, northern waters), their unique calls, or their physical traits (webbed feet, sleek bodies, specialized beaks). The letter count is always a crucial hint to narrow down possibilities, as is using any intersecting letters from other clues to confirm your guess.
Are there regional variations for 'diving bird' clues?
While many bird names are universally known, some puzzles, particularly those with a regional theme, might feature birds more common to a specific area (e.g., a certain type of duck or seabird endemic to a particular coastline). Always consider the puzzle's origin or theme if you're stuck on an obscure bird that doesn't immediately come to mind.