type of finch crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "type of finch," you've come to the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions and helpful explanations to get you through your puzzle. Explore the answers below, organized by letter count, and expand your knowledge of these fascinating birds!
Solutions for "type of finch crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
CANARY: A small, yellow finch, famous for its song and often kept as a pet. Originates from the Macaronesian Islands.
LINNET: A small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae, known for its reddish breast in males.
SISKIN: A small, active finch with yellowish plumage, often found in coniferous forests.
7 Letters
REDPOLL: A small, highly nomadic finch characterized by its distinctive red forehead patch.
9 Letters
GOLDFINCH: A colourful small finch, particularly the European Goldfinch, known for its red face and yellow and black wings.
CHAFFINCH: A common and widespread finch in Europe and Asia, known for its distinctive song.
BULLFINCH: A stocky finch with a prominent black cap and, in males, a rose-red breast.
More About "type of finch crossword clue"
Finches are a widespread and diverse family of passerine birds (Fringillidae) known for their strong, conical beaks adapted for cracking seeds. They are found across various habitats worldwide, excluding Australia and the polar regions. Their vibrant plumage, often featuring shades of red, yellow, and green, along with their melodious songs, make them popular subjects in nature and, consequently, in crossword puzzles.
When "type of finch" appears as a clue, the setter is usually looking for one of the more common or iconic species. Beyond the typical CANARY or GOLDFINCH, you might encounter answers like LINNET, CHAFFINCH, BULLFINCH, or SISKIN. The specific letters available in the puzzle are crucial for determining the correct fit, as several finch names can vary significantly in length and composition.
Understanding the common characteristics of finches – their seed-eating habits, distinctive calls, and often colourful appearance – can provide helpful context even if you don't immediately know the exact species. This background knowledge can help you verify answers or make educated guesses when fewer letters are provided.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available squares for the answer. This is your primary filter for potential solutions like CANARY (6 letters) vs. GOLDFINCH (9 letters).
- Consider Common Species: For animal or plant clues, crosswords often favour the most widely known examples. For finches, think of common pets or garden birds.
- Utilize Intersecting Clues: The letters from crossing words are invaluable. They can confirm or rule out a potential finch type quickly. If you have an 'N' in the third position, 'CANARY' or 'LINNET' are possibilities, but 'GOLDFINCH' would be ruled out.
- Think about Plurals or Variations: While less common for "type of finch," some clues might hint at plural forms or specific varieties (e.g., "song finch"). Always read the clue carefully.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my crossword answer for 'type of finch' doesn't fit?
Crossword clues can have multiple valid answers depending on the specific puzzle and the number of letters. If an answer like CANARY doesn't fit, consider other common finches like LINNET, SISKIN, or GOLDFINCH, checking their letter counts against the available spaces. Also, look for intersecting letters to narrow down possibilities.
Are sparrows considered a type of finch in crosswords?
While Old World Sparrows (Passeridae family) are distinct from true finches (Fringillidae family), some crossword compilers might broadly use 'finch' to refer to small, seed-eating birds. However, more precise clues will usually differentiate. Always prioritize true finch species first when solving 'type of finch' clues.
How can I improve my knowledge of bird-related crossword clues?
Familiarize yourself with common bird families, specific species, and their characteristics often highlighted in puzzles (e.g., songbirds, birds of prey, specific colors). Reading about ornithology or nature can indirectly build your vocabulary. Keep a list of frequently appearing bird answers in crosswords for quick reference.