ostrich kin crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find all possible answers for the clue "ostrich kin crossword", along with detailed explanations to help you understand the context and enrich your general knowledge.
Solutions for "ostrich kin crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EMU: A large flightless bird native to Australia, the second-largest living bird by height after the ostrich, sharing similar features and belonging to the ratite family.
4 Letters
RHEA: A large flightless bird native to South America, part of the order Rheiformes, closely related to the ostrich and sharing the common characteristic of being a ratite.
9 Letters
CASSOWARY: A large, flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, known for its helmet-like casque and vibrant colors. It is also a member of the ratite group, making it a distant relative of the ostrich.
More About "ostrich kin crossword"
The term "ostrich kin" in a crossword clue refers to other birds that share evolutionary traits with the ostrich, primarily being large, flightless birds. These birds are part of a group called 'ratites', which includes ostriches (Africa), rheas (South America), emus and cassowaries (Australia/New Guinea), and kiwis (New Zealand).
Despite their geographic separation, these birds are believed to share a common flightless ancestor. They are characterized by their lack of a keeled sternum (breastbone), which in flying birds serves as an anchor for powerful flight muscles. Instead, ratites have a flat sternum, indicating their adaptation to a terrestrial lifestyle. Crossword puzzles often test knowledge of these distinct bird species, making 'ostrich kin' a common and insightful clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Flightless Birds: When you see clues about ostriches or their relatives, immediately think of other large, flightless birds like emus, rheas, or cassowaries.
- Check Letter Count: Use the number of letters in the crossword grid as a primary filter. For example, if it's a three-letter answer, EMU is a strong candidate; for four letters, RHEA.
- Consider Geographic Origin: Sometimes clues might hint at the continent (e.g., "South American ostrich kin" for RHEA, or "Australian ostrich kin" for EMU or CASSOWARY).
- Cross-Reference: Always use intersecting letters from other solved clues to confirm your answer. This is crucial for verifying longer, less common answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ostriches and their kin collectively called?
Ostriches and their kin (like emus, rheas, cassowaries, and kiwis) are collectively known as 'ratites'. This group consists of flightless birds characterized by a flat breastbone without a keel, which means their pectoral muscles are not strong enough for flight.
Are all ostrich relatives flightless?
Yes, by definition, all ratites – the group that includes ostriches and their close relatives – are flightless birds. They have evolved unique adaptations for terrestrial life, often compensating for their inability to fly with speed or size.
How do you identify an 'ostrich kin' in a crossword puzzle?
When encountering 'ostrich kin' in a crossword, think of other large, flightless birds. Common answers include EMU, RHEA, and CASSOWARY. Consider the number of letters required in the puzzle grid, and look for intersecting letters to narrow down the options.