black bird crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stumped by a 'black bird' clue in your crossword? You've landed in the perfect spot! We've compiled a comprehensive list of all possible answers, complete with their letter counts and helpful explanations, to get you back on track.
Solutions for "black bird crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ANI: A genus of tropical American cuckoos, typically all-black with a high-arched bill, often found in groups.
4 Letters
CROW: A large, intelligent black bird, often associated with mystery and common in rural and urban settings.
ROOK: A European crow, distinguished by its bare, whitish face around the beak, frequently seen in large flocks.
5 Letters
RAVEN: The largest of the crow family, known for its deep croaking call and glossy black plumage, often appearing in folklore.
MERLE: A poetic or European term for a blackbird, especially the common European blackbird (Turdus merula).
6 Letters
CHOUGH: A glossy black bird, a member of the crow family, characterized by its red legs and curved red beak, often found in coastal or mountainous regions.
7 Letters
GRACKLE: A medium-sized New World blackbird with iridescent black plumage, often seen in large noisy flocks.
JACKDAW: A small, highly social member of the crow family with distinctive grey patches on its nape and black plumage.
8 Letters
STARLING: A highly adaptable medium-sized black bird, known for its iridescent plumage and ability to mimic sounds, often forming large murmurations.
9 Letters
BLACKBIRD: A common passerine bird, typically with all-black plumage and often a distinctive orange or yellow bill in males.
More About "black bird crossword"
The clue "black bird" is a classic in crossword puzzles, often appearing in various forms to test your ornithological knowledge and word association skills. While common answers like CROW and RAVEN immediately come to mind, experienced solvers know to look beyond the obvious. Crossword constructors love to use specific species, regional names, or even poetic terms to challenge solvers, making a diverse list of potential answers crucial for success.
Many black birds have distinct characteristics that might be hinted at in the clue, such as their call (e.g., raven's croak), social behavior (e.g., starlings' murmurations), or specific markings (e.g., jackdaw's grey nape). Understanding these nuances can help you narrow down the possibilities when letter counts alone aren't enough. Our goal is to provide you with every angle to conquer this common clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters provided in the grid. This immediately filters out many possibilities and helps you focus on answers that fit.
- Look for Specific Descriptors: If the clue is "black bird of myth" or "small black bird," these additional words are critical hints. "Myth" might point to RAVEN, while "small" could suggest ANI or JACKDAW.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crosswords often feature less common or regional names. MERLE for blackbird or CHOUGH for a specific type of crow family member are good examples of answers that might stump a less experienced solver.
- Check for Plurals or Verb Forms: While "black bird" is singular, sometimes a slight variation in the clue can lead to a plural answer or even a verb related to the bird (e.g., if the answer were 'CAWS'). Always double-check the exact wording.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common black birds found in crossword puzzles?
Common black bird answers in crosswords often include CROW, RAVEN, ROOK, STARLING, BLACKBIRD, and sometimes less common ones like GRACKLE or MERLE, depending on the puzzle's difficulty and origin.
How can I distinguish between similar black bird answers like CROW and RAVEN?
Crossword setters often use distinguishing features or clues. RAVENs are generally larger than CROWS, have a wedge-shaped tail (vs. fan-shaped for crows), and a deeper, croaking call. Context clues about size, sound, or specific habitats are key.
Are there any obscure black bird answers I should know for crosswords?
Beyond the common ones, some puzzles might feature CHOUGH (a crow relative with red legs/beak), JACKDAW (smaller crow with grey nape), or ANI (a type of black cuckoo). MERLE is also a classic crossword answer for a blackbird, especially in British puzzles.