black birds crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "black birds crossword", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore the answers and their explanations below.
Solutions for "black birds crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CROWS: Common, highly adaptable black birds found worldwide, often appearing in large flocks.
ROOKS: Social black birds of the crow family, often distinguished by their bare, whitish face patches.
6 Letters
RAVENS: Large, intelligent black birds, typically solitary or in pairs, known for their deep croaking calls.
MERLES: The French term for blackbirds, commonly used in crosswords to refer to European blackbirds.
9 Letters
STARLINGS: Medium-sized, often iridescent black birds, known for their complex songs and large winter flocks.
More About "black birds crossword"
"Black birds" is a classic crossword clue that can be delightfully tricky due to the variety of species it can refer to. From the common crow to the enigmatic raven, or even the less obvious merle (a European blackbird), the answer often depends on the specific letter count required by the puzzle grid. These birds are popular in clues because their distinct characteristics—intelligence, social behavior, and widespread presence—allow for diverse wordplay and clever hints.
Understanding the nuances between these species can be key. For instance, while both crows and ravens are large, black corvids, ravens are typically larger, have a wedge-shaped tail, and are often seen alone or in pairs, whereas crows are smaller, have a fan-shaped tail, and are highly social. Knowing these distinctions can help narrow down the possibilities when the clue is more specific.
Crossword constructors love "black birds" because it allows them to test solvers' knowledge of ornithology and common linguistic associations. It's a fantastic example of how seemingly simple clues can lead to a rich array of possible answers, making the solving process both challenging and rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available spaces in the grid immediately. This is the single most important filter for "black birds" clues, as it will narrow down possibilities like CROWS (5), RAVENS (6), or STARLINGS (9).
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue mention "European," "social," "large," or a specific sound? These details can point you towards MERLES, ROOKS, or RAVENS. Even subtle hints can be game-changers.
- Consider Common Crossword Answers: Some words, like CROWS and RAVENS, appear more frequently than others. If you're stuck, cycle through the most common answers first before considering more obscure ones.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While "crows" might be your first thought, remember clues can be misleading. "Black birds" might refer to starlings, which are often perceived as black, or less common terms if the puzzle is particularly challenging.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are "black birds" a common crossword clue?
Clues like 'black birds' are popular because they can refer to several distinct species with varying letter counts, providing flexibility for puzzle constructors. Common answers include Crows, Ravens, Rooks, and Starlings, each fitting different puzzle grids.
What's the difference between a raven and a crow in crosswords?
While both are large, black birds in the genus Corvus, in crosswords, the main difference is often their letter count (RAVENS is 6, CROWS is 5). Sometimes clues might hint at size ('larger black bird' for RAVENS), call, or social behavior to distinguish them.
Are there other "black bird" related clues in crosswords?
Yes, you might encounter clues referring to specific black bird types like 'European blackbird' (MERLE), 'social black bird' (ROOKS), or even more general terms like 'dark avian' or 'jet-colored flyer' which could lead to black bird answers, depending on the number of letters needed.