ostrich or emu crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for the solution to "ostrich or emu crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Our comprehensive guide offers quick answers and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Dive in to find the perfect fit for your grid!
Solutions for "ostrich or emu crossword clue" by Letter Count
Below are the most likely answers to your crossword clue, organized by their length for easy matching.
4 Letters
RHEA: A large, flightless bird native to South America, similar in appearance and ecological niche to the ostrich or emu. While not an ostrich or emu, it belongs to the same family of ratites and often appears as an alternative answer.
6 Letters
RATITE: A general term for any of a diverse group of large, flightless birds, including ostriches, emus, rheas, and cassowaries. This is a very common crossword answer as it categorizes both the ostrich and emu.
More About "ostrich or emu crossword clue"
The clue "ostrich or emu" points to a fascinating category of birds that have adapted to a life without flight. Ostriches, native to Africa, are the largest living birds, known for their incredible speed and powerful legs. Emus, indigenous to Australia, are the second-largest birds, easily recognizable by their shaggy brown plumage.
Both ostriches and emus belong to a group of birds called ratites. This group is characterized by a flat, raft-like sternum (breastbone) that lacks the keel necessary for flight muscle attachment. Other members of the ratite family include rheas from South America, cassowaries and kiwis from Oceania, and the extinct moa from New Zealand.
Crossword constructors often use these birds as clues because they are distinctive and fall into a specific biological classification, providing solvers with a clear path to answers like "RATITE" or other specific species names if the clue requires it. Understanding these connections can significantly improve your crossword-solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
Tackling crossword puzzles can be rewarding, and here are some tips specifically helpful when you encounter clues like "ostrich or emu":
- Think Categories: When a clue lists two or more examples, consider what category they both belong to. For "ostrich or emu," the category is 'ratite' or 'flightless bird'.
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters in the grid. This is crucial for narrowing down multiple possible answers. For instance, 'RHEA' fits four letters, while 'RATITE' fits six.
- Consider Geographic Clues: Sometimes the puzzle might hint at the origin (e.g., "African bird or Australian one"). This can help differentiate between specific species if multiple answers fit the letter count.
- Review Recent Puzzles: Crossword themes or recurring answers can sometimes re-appear. If you recently solved a puzzle with a similar theme, it might provide a hint.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ostriches and emus commonly called in crosswords?
In crosswords, ostriches and emus are often grouped under the scientific term 'RATITE', which refers to any of a diverse group of large, flightless birds with a flat breastbone. Other related terms like 'RHEA' (another flightless bird) can also be answers to similar clues.
Are there other flightless birds often featured in crossword puzzles?
Yes, beyond ostriches and emus, other flightless birds frequently appear in crosswords. These include the 'KIWI' (New Zealand), 'CASSOWARY' (Australia/New Guinea), 'PENGUIN' (various species), and extinct birds like the 'MOA' or 'DODO'.
Why are animals like ostriches and emus common crossword clues?
Animals like ostriches and emus are popular crossword clues due to their unique characteristics (flightless, large size, distinctive appearances) which allow for precise and often scientific classifications (like RATITE). They also lend themselves to wordplay or specific knowledge, making for satisfying challenges for solvers.