new world blackbird crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "new world blackbird crossword", you've come to the right place. Our comprehensive guide provides answers across various letter counts, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context and ace your puzzle.
Solutions for "new world blackbird crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ORIOLE: A colorful New World songbird, often yellow or orange and black, known for its intricately woven nests. A popular crossword answer for this clue.
7 Letters
GRACKLE: A common New World blackbird known for its iridescent plumage, long tail, and sometimes noisy communal roosts.
COWBIRD: A New World blackbird infamous for its brood parasitic behavior, laying eggs in other birds' nests.
10 Letters
MEADOWLARK: A New World bird, part of the blackbird family, recognizable by its bright yellow underparts and distinctive flute-like song.
More About "new world blackbird crossword"
The term "New World blackbird" refers specifically to members of the bird family Icteridae, found primarily in the Americas. This diverse family includes not only various species commonly called blackbirds but also orioles, grackles, cowbirds, meadowlarks, and others. They are known for their striking plumages, which often incorporate black, yellow, and orange, and their wide range of behaviors, from impressive mimicry to brood parasitism.
In crosswords, these birds are frequently clued due to their distinct names and characteristics, offering constructors a rich vocabulary to draw from. Understanding that "New World" distinguishes them from European blackbirds (which belong to the thrush family) is key to narrowing down potential answers when faced with this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always use the exact number of blanks provided in the puzzle as your primary filter. This immediately narrows down possibilities.
- Consider the "New World" Modifier: For clues like "New World blackbird," remember this points to the Icteridae family. Think beyond just "blackbird" to include species like orioles, grackles, and cowbirds.
- Look for Behavioral or Color Clues: Some clues might hint at a specific characteristic, such as "parasitic blackbird" for COWBIRD, or color descriptions for ORIOLE.
- Use Intersecting Words: Leverage letters from intersecting answers to confirm or eliminate possibilities for "new world blackbird" and other clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "New World blackbird"?
"New World blackbirds" refer to members of the bird family Icteridae, which are primarily found in North and South America. This family includes not only birds commonly called blackbirds but also orioles, grackles, cowbirds, and meadowlarks, among others, distinguished by their diverse behaviors and often striking plumages.
Why are "New World blackbirds" common in crosswords?
Birds, especially those with unique names, appearances, or behaviors, are frequent crossword answers. New World blackbirds offer a diverse range of names (like ORIOLE, GRACKLE, COWBIRD, MEADOWLARK) and varying word lengths, making them versatile for puzzle constructors. Their distinct characteristics also allow for clever clueing.
Are European blackbirds the same as New World blackbirds?
No, despite the similar common name, the common blackbird of Europe (Turdus merula) belongs to the thrush family (Turdidae), while New World blackbirds are in the Icteridae family. They are not closely related genetically, highlighting the importance of 'New World' in the clue to specify the bird family.