flightless bird crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on "flightless bird crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Find your solution below!
Solutions for "flightless bird crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EMU: A large, fast-running flightless bird native to Australia, second in height only to the ostrich.
MOA: An extinct genus of large flightless birds native to New Zealand, often used in older or more challenging puzzles.
4 Letters
KIWI: A small, nocturnal flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, known for its long beak and whiskery feathers.
RHEA: Large flightless birds native to South America, resembling small ostriches. Another common answer.
DODO: An iconic extinct flightless bird that was endemic to the island of Mauritius, frequently appearing in crosswords.
7 Letters
OSTRICH: The largest living bird and the fastest runner on two legs, native to Africa. A very common crossword answer.
PENGUIN: Aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, adapted for life in the water.
9 Letters
CASSOWARY: A large, colorful, and aggressive flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, known for its prominent casque.
More About "flightless bird crossword clue"
Flightless birds are a fascinating category in the avian world and a popular subject for crossword clues due to their unique characteristics and diverse habitats. While the ostrich is often the first bird that comes to mind, there's a rich variety of others that frequently make appearances in puzzles, from the diminutive Kiwi to the majestic, albeit extinct, Moa.
Crossword setters love using these birds because they offer a good range of letter counts and can sometimes hint at geographical locations or specific traits. For instance, a clue might specify "New Zealand flightless bird" to lead you directly to KIWI, or "Australian runner" for EMU. Knowing the common ones by heart can give you a significant edge.
It's also important to remember that not all flightless birds are living species. Extinct birds like the Dodo and Moa are very common in crosswords, often testing your knowledge of natural history. Always keep an open mind about the time period a clue might be referencing!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, as seen above with EMU (3 letters) versus OSTRICH (7 letters).
- Consider Geography: Some clues might hint at the bird's native habitat (e.g., "flightless bird of New Zealand" for KIWI). If you know a bit about bird geography, this can be a huge help.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While OSTRICH is a primary answer, don't forget the lesser-known or extinct birds like RHEA, DODO, or MOA. Crossword puzzles often test broader knowledge.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: The most powerful tip! Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues to confirm or eliminate potential answers for "flightless bird." If 'O' is the second letter, 'KIWI' is out, but 'MOA' or 'DODO' could still be possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common 7-letter flightless bird crossword answer?
Two very common 7-letter answers for a flightless bird clue are OSTRICH and PENGUIN. The specific puzzle's intersecting letters will help determine which one is correct.
Are extinct birds common in crosswords for flightless clues?
Yes, extinct flightless birds like DODO (4 letters) and MOA (3 letters) frequently appear in crossword puzzles. Always consider these historical options if modern birds don't fit.
How do I find the best crossword answer when multiple options exist?
When faced with multiple potential answers, the best approach is to use the intersecting letters from other solved clues in the puzzle. These intersecting letters will narrow down the possibilities to the single correct word.