thieving bird crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "thieving bird crossword" and need a quick solution, you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "thieving bird crossword" by Letter Count
6 Letters
MAGPIE: A well-known member of the crow family, notorious for collecting shiny objects, often perceived as 'thieving'.
7 Letters
JACKDAW: Another corvid, similar to a magpie in behavior, also known for taking small items.
More About "thieving bird crossword"
The phrase "thieving bird" in crosswords almost universally points to members of the corvid family, specifically magpies and jackdaws. These intelligent birds, part of the crow family, have a long-standing reputation in folklore and popular culture for their apparent attraction to shiny objects and their tendency to 'steal' or collect them. While scientific studies suggest their attraction might be more about curiosity than outright thievery, their popular image makes them perfect crossword fodder.
Magpies, with their striking black and white plumage, are particularly iconic in this role. They are highly intelligent, social birds capable of complex problem-solving. Similarly, jackdaws, smaller than crows, also exhibit curious behavior and can be seen carrying off small objects. Understanding these common associations can be a significant advantage when encountering such clues in future puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Common Associations: For clues like "thieving bird," think about birds commonly linked to that behavior in popular culture or folklore, even if scientific fact differs.
- Check Letter Count: Once you have a potential answer like MAGPIE (6 letters) or JACKDAW (7 letters), verify if its length fits the puzzle's grid.
- Look for Synonyms or Categories: Sometimes a clue like "thieving bird" might lead to a broader category (e.g., CORVID) or a less direct synonym if the common answers don't fit.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Use the letters you've already filled from intersecting words to confirm or narrow down your options for the 'thieving bird' clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are magpies often associated with 'thieving' in crosswords?
Magpies are members of the corvid family, known for their intelligence and tendency to collect shiny objects, often leading to the perception of them 'thieving' or hoarding. This behavior makes them a popular answer for such clues in crossword puzzles.
Are there other birds known for 'thieving' besides magpies?
Yes, other birds in the corvid family like jackdaws and even crows can be opportunistic and take items, though magpies are most famously linked to 'thieving' behavior in popular culture and crosswords.
How can I identify a 'thieving bird' in a crossword puzzle?
Look for clues related to 'corvid,' 'hoarder,' 'shiny objects,' or 'black and white bird.' Also, consider the number of letters. Common answers include MAGPIE (6 letters) and JACKDAW (7 letters).