running bird crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues! If you're scratching your head over "running bird crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to get you past any puzzle roadblock.
Solutions for "running bird crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EMU: A large, flightless bird native to Australia, known for its powerful legs and ability to run at high speeds.
4 Letters
RHEA: A large, flightless bird native to South America, resembling a small ostrich, also known for its running ability.
7 Letters
OSTRICH: The largest and heaviest living bird, native to Africa, famous for its incredible running speed and long legs.
More About "running bird crossword"
The clue "running bird" almost always points to one of a few common flightless birds that are exceptionally adapted for terrestrial movement. These magnificent creatures, such as the ostrich, emu, and rhea, are well-known for their long, powerful legs and impressive speeds, making them perfect candidates for crossword puzzles.
Their adaptation for running instead of flying is a fascinating evolutionary trait, often seen in environments where predators are present but dense foliage is not, allowing for open-field chases. Understanding these birds' characteristics—their speed, size, and native habitats—can be a huge advantage when encountering this clue in various crossword formats.
Crossword setters love these birds because they are widely recognized and have distinctive, relatively short names that fit well into grids. Knowing the primary candidates for "running bird" can save you significant time and effort during your puzzle-solving sessions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. For "running bird," common answers like EMU (3 letters), RHEA (4 letters), and OSTRICH (7 letters) are strong possibilities.
- Think Globally: Some "running bird" clues might subtly hint at a continent (e.g., "Australian running bird"). Knowing that Emus are from Australia, Ostriches from Africa, and Rheas from South America can narrow down your options significantly.
- Look for Plurals or Specificity: While "running bird" typically refers to the singular, sometimes clues might ask for a plural or a more specific type if the puzzle allows for longer answers. Always keep an eye out for any additional context.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. This is the most fundamental crossword strategy and can quickly confirm or eliminate potential "running bird" answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common "running bird" answers in crosswords?
EMU, RHEA, and OSTRICH are among the most frequently encountered answers for "running bird" clues in crosswords due to their distinct characteristics and common knowledge.
Are all flightless birds considered "running birds"?
While many prominent running birds (like emus, rheas, and ostriches) are flightless, not all flightless birds are primarily known for running. For example, penguins are flightless but are swimmers. The term "running bird" specifically refers to their terrestrial locomotion ability.
How can I identify a "running bird" answer if I only have a few letters?
Consider common lengths: EMU is 3 letters, RHEA is 4 letters, and OSTRICH is 7 letters. Contextual clues like habitat (e.g., Australia for EMU, Africa for OSTRICH, South America for RHEA) can also be highly indicative. If you have only a few letters, try fitting the known common answers first.