large flightless bird crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on the clue "large flightless bird"? You've come to the right place! We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Whether it's a short 3-letter answer or a longer solution, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "large flightless bird crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EMU: The second-largest living bird by height, native to Australia, and flightless.
4 Letters
RHEA: Large flightless birds native to South America, similar in appearance to ostriches and emus.
7 Letters
OSTRICH: A very large, fast-running flightless bird native to Africa, known for its long neck and legs.
PENGUIN: A group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, known for their distinctive upright waddle.
9 Letters
CASSOWARY: A very large, colorful, and aggressive flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, known for its casque.
More About "large flightless bird crossword clue"
Flightless birds are fascinating creatures that have adapted over millions of years to thrive without the ability to fly. They often develop unique characteristics, such as powerful legs for running, dense bones, or specialized feathers, making them distinct from their avian counterparts. When encountered in crosswords, clues like "large flightless bird" can refer to a variety of species, each with its own specific geographical habitat and defining features.
From the iconic Ostrich of the African savannas, known for its incredible speed, to the formidable Cassowary of New Guinea's rainforests with its distinctive casque, these birds offer a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Other common answers include the Australian Emu, the South American Rhea, and even the aquatic Penguin, which, while capable of "flying" underwater, cannot fly in the air. Understanding these differences can be key to selecting the correct answer when faced with similar clues.
Crossword constructors often utilize the diversity of flightless birds to create clues that test a solver's general knowledge and vocabulary. Recognizing the common names and key characteristics of these birds can significantly improve your success rate on such clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of boxes in the puzzle. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "large flightless bird" to answers like EMU (3 letters), RHEA (4 letters), OSTRICH (7 letters), or CASSOWARY (9 letters).
- Think Geographically: Some clues might hint at a region (e.g., "African flightless bird"). Knowing that Ostriches are from Africa, Emus from Australia, and Rheas from South America can provide a crucial hint.
- Look for Plurals or Specifics: A clue might be "large flightless birds" (plural) or include an adjective like "tall" (OSTRICH) or "tropical" (CASSOWARY), guiding you to the most precise answer.
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in to deduce the correct flightless bird. The more letters you have, the easier it becomes to confirm your answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest flightless bird in the world?
The largest flightless bird in the world is the Ostrich, native to Africa, which can reach heights of up to 9 feet and weigh over 300 pounds.
Are all flightless birds large?
While many well-known flightless birds like ostriches, emus, and rheas are large, not all flightless birds are. The Kiwi, native to New Zealand, for example, is a relatively small flightless bird, about the size of a domestic chicken.
Why do crosswords often feature flightless birds?
Flightless birds are common crossword clues because they represent a distinct biological category and many have unique, memorable names (like EMU, RHEA, KIWI, OSTRICH) that fit various letter counts. They are also widely recognized, making them accessible yet challenging clues.