extinct bird crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue 'extinct bird crossword clue' and need a hand, you've landed on the perfect page. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, carefully organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you through your puzzle. Whether you're looking for a common four-letter solution or a more obscure eight-letter term, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "extinct bird crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MOA: A large, flightless bird native to New Zealand, extinct by around 1400 AD due to Polynesian hunting.
AUK: Referring to the Great Auk, a large, flightless seabird driven to extinction in the mid-19th century.
4 Letters
DODO: A flightless bird native to Mauritius, famously extinct since the mid-17th century.
8 Letters
TERATORN: A family of extinct giant birds of prey, like Teratornis merriami, known from the Pleistocene epoch.
9 Letters
AEPYORNIS: The genus name for the Elephant Bird, a massive flightless bird native to Madagascar, extinct by the 17th century.
More About "extinct bird crossword clue"
The natural world, sadly, is home to many species that have vanished over time, and extinct birds frequently make an appearance in crossword puzzles. These clues often test solvers' knowledge of famous examples like the flightless Dodo, native to Mauritius, or the gigantic Moa of New Zealand. The reasons for their extinction vary, from habitat loss and climate change to overhunting by humans, highlighting significant historical ecological shifts.
For crossword creators, 'extinct bird' is a versatile clue because it allows for a range of answers, from well-known species to more specific scientific names or less commonly recalled birds. This variety helps in balancing puzzle difficulty and incorporating diverse vocabulary. Solvers can often narrow down possibilities by considering the letter count or any intersecting letters from other clues.
Understanding the context of why certain birds became extinct can also add an extra layer of appreciation for these creatures, even as we encounter them in the abstract world of crosswords. From the Great Auk, driven to extinction in the 19th century, to lesser-known species, each answer represents a piece of our planet's biological history.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check surrounding clues: Often, intersecting words will provide crucial letters that narrow down possible answers for "extinct bird."
- Consider common lengths: Many extinct bird clues lean towards shorter, more famous answers like DODO (4 letters) or MOA (3 letters) first.
- Think geographically: Some extinct birds are tied to specific regions (e.g., Dodo - Mauritius, Moa - New Zealand). If the puzzle has a geographical theme or a related clue, this might offer a hint.
- Don't forget scientific names: Occasionally, puzzles might use scientific names like TERATORN or AEPYORNIS if the clue is particularly challenging or has enough letters.
- Use online resources wisely: If you're truly stuck, a quick search for "extinct bird crossword answers" can provide a list of possibilities, but try to solve it on your own first for the satisfaction!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common extinct bird crossword answer?
The most frequently appearing answer for "extinct bird" in crosswords is often DODO, due to its iconic status and convenient four-letter length. MOA is another very common three-letter solution.
Why are extinct birds so common in crosswords?
Extinct birds are popular crossword clues because they represent a well-defined category with a limited, yet diverse, set of answers across various letter lengths. This makes them predictable enough for solvers to guess but varied enough for constructors to use creatively.
Are there any extinct birds longer than 8 letters typically used in crosswords?
While some extinct birds have longer names (e.g., Passenger Pigeon, Great Auk, AEPYORNIS), most crossword puzzles stick to shorter, more common ones for "extinct bird" clues. Longer names might appear if specific to a more obscure or themed puzzle, often requiring additional context in the clue itself.