black cuckoo crossword – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "black cuckoo" in your crossword? You've come to the right place! Below you'll find the most common and accurate answers, along with explanations to help you understand why they fit. Get back to completing your puzzle with our reliable solutions!
Solutions for "black cuckoo crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ANI: A genus of tropical American cuckoos, known for their entirely black plumage. This is the most frequent answer for 'black cuckoo'.
4 Letters
ANIS: The plural form of Ani, often used when the clue implies more than one or fits a four-letter slot.
More About "black cuckoo crossword"
The clue "black cuckoo" almost universally points to the word ANI in crossword puzzles. Anis are fascinating birds belonging to the cuckoo family (Cuculidae), found in the warmer regions of the Americas. What makes them particularly relevant to this clue is their striking and uniform black plumage, which is a defining characteristic across all three species within the genus Crotophaga: the Greater Ani, Smooth-billed Ani, and Groove-billed Ani.
Beyond their color, Anis are known for their unique social behaviors, including communal nesting where multiple females lay eggs in a single nest, and groups of adults share incubation and chick-rearing duties. This distinct combination of black appearance and "cuckoo" family lineage makes "ANI" a perfect, concise fit for crossword puzzles, requiring solvers to recall specific, often less-known, terms for common categories like birds.
Knowing this specific term can unlock many crossword puzzles. It's a classic example of how crosswords test not just general knowledge, but also specific, sometimes obscure, definitions of familiar concepts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Specifics: When a clue like "black cuckoo" includes a descriptor (black), it often narrows down a broad category (cuckoo) to a very specific animal. Always look for the most precise term.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is crucial. If you think of "ANI" but need four letters, consider its plural form, "ANIS," or look for synonyms that fit the length.
- Common Crossword Birds: Certain birds, especially those with short, unique names or distinct characteristics, appear frequently in crosswords. Familiarize yourself with terms like Ani, Emu, Rhea, or Owl.
- Context is Key: While "black cuckoo" points to Ani, other cuckoo clues might lead to different answers (e.g., "ground cuckoo" for ROADRUNNER). Always consider the full clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ani?
An Ani is a bird belonging to the genus Crotophaga, part of the cuckoo family (Cuculidae). They are native to the tropical Americas and are distinctive for their entirely black plumage, long tails, and unique communal breeding behaviors.
Why is 'ANI' a common crossword answer for 'black cuckoo'?
'ANI' is a concise, three-letter word that directly refers to a group of birds known for their black coloring and being part of the cuckoo family. This makes it an ideal and frequently used answer in crossword puzzles that often look for short, specific terms for common knowledge.
Are there other birds called cuckoos that appear in crosswords?
Yes, besides the Ani, other cuckoo-related terms might appear. For example, 'ROADRUNNER' is a type of ground cuckoo sometimes featured. However, the specific descriptor 'black cuckoo' almost exclusively points to 'ANI' due to its distinct black plumage.