running bird crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "running bird crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We provide all possible answers, explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Discover why these swift avians are a common crossword staple.
Solutions for "running bird crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EMU: A large, flightless bird native to Australia, famous for its speed.
4 Letters
RHEA: A large, flightless bird found in South America, resembling a smaller ostrich.
KIWI: A small, flightless, nocturnal bird from New Zealand, known for scurrying on the ground.
7 Letters
OSTRICH: The world's largest and fastest running bird, native to Africa.
10 Letters
ROADRUNNER: A North American ground cuckoo, famous for its speed and appearance in cartoons.
More About "running bird crossword clue"
The "running bird" clue is a classic in crosswords, often pointing to a specific category of flightless or ground-dwelling birds renowned for their speed and agility on land rather than in the air. These avian athletes, such as the Ostrich, Emu, and Rhea, have adapted over millennia to thrive in open environments where quick escape from predators is crucial. Their powerful legs and specialized skeletal structures allow them to reach impressive velocities, making them truly remarkable creatures.
From the arid plains of Africa to the vast outback of Australia and the grasslands of South America, these birds represent incredible examples of evolution. Their unique characteristics make them ideal candidates for crossword puzzles, as they are distinct and often have relatively short, pronounceable names that fit well into grids. Recognizing these birds can often unlock significant sections of a crossword puzzle, especially when combined with other clues about their habitat or specific traits.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Length: As seen above, running birds come in various name lengths. If you have a 3-letter slot, EMU is a strong contender. For longer slots, think OSTRICH or ROADRUNNER.
- Check for Geographic Clues: Sometimes the clue will hint at the bird's origin, e.g., "Australian runner" for EMU or "African sprinter" for OSTRICH.
- Look for Flightless Hints: Many running birds are also flightless. Clues like "flightless runner" or "bird unable to fly" can narrow down your options significantly.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Always use the letters from words that intersect with your "running bird" clue. This is the most reliable method to confirm your answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common running birds found in crosswords?
Besides 'EMU' and 'RHEA', you might encounter 'OSTRICH', 'ROADRUNNER', 'CASSOWARY', or even 'KIWI' depending on the puzzle's difficulty and theme. These birds are often clued by their flightless nature or speed.
How do I identify the correct running bird answer when multiple fit the length?
Pay close attention to other clues in the puzzle. The cross-referencing letters are your best friend! Also, look for subtle hints in the clue itself, such as geographic origin (e.g., 'Australian runner' for EMU) or specific characteristics.
Are all flightless birds considered 'running birds' in crosswords?
Not necessarily all, but many are. Flightless birds like penguins are often clued differently (e.g., 'waddling bird'). The 'running bird' clue typically refers to those known for their swift terrestrial movement, like ostriches, emus, and rheas.