bird of the crow family crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "bird of the crow family," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a quick hint or a full solution, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "bird of the crow family crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
JAY: A colorful and often noisy bird in the crow family (Corvidae), known for its distinct calls and often vibrant blue, black, and white plumage.
4 Letters
ROOK: A large, social, black bird of the crow family, common in Europe and Asia, often nesting in colonies called rookeries.
CROW: A widely distributed large, black passerine bird, noted for its intelligence, adaptability, and characteristic 'caw' call.
5 Letters
RAVEN: A large, powerful, and intelligent black bird, the largest of the crow family, often associated with folklore and mystery.
6 Letters
MAGPIE: A long-tailed, black-and-white bird, part of the crow family, known for its intelligence, curiosity, and often for collecting shiny objects.
7 Letters
JACKDAW: A small, black, intelligent crow, often found around human settlements and known for its distinctive light eyes and social behaviour.
More About "bird of the crow family crossword clue"
The "crow family" in crossword clues refers to the scientific family Corvidae. This diverse group of birds is famous for its intelligence, complex social structures, and adaptability. Members of this family are found almost worldwide, excluding only the polar regions and a few isolated islands.
Common characteristics among corvids include their generally robust build, strong bills, and typically dark plumage, although species like jays and magpies exhibit striking colors. Beyond their physical traits, their cognitive abilities are what truly set them apart. They demonstrate impressive problem-solving skills, tool use, memory, and even self-awareness, making them a fascinating subject for ornithologists and a recurring topic in puzzles.
Understanding the common members of the Corvidae family, such as crows, ravens, jays, rooks, magpies, and jackdaws, can be incredibly helpful for solving crossword clues. Each species often has unique characteristics or associations that a setter might hint at, such as a magpie's reputation for stealing or a raven's size.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
Solving crossword puzzles, especially those with natural world clues like "bird of the crow family," often comes down to a combination of general knowledge and smart strategy. Here are some tips to help you conquer your next challenge:
- Consider Letter Count: Always check the number of letters required. For "bird of the crow family," a shorter answer might point to JAY or CROW, while a longer one could be JACKDAW or NUTCRACKER. This is often the most critical filter.
- Look for Specific Descriptors: Pay attention to any additional words in the clue. Is it "large bird of the crow family"? That hints at RAVEN. "Social bird of the crow family"? ROOK or JACKDAW. These details narrow down the options.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While CROW and RAVEN are immediate thoughts, remember less common but still valid corvids like CHOUGH or NUTCRACKER, especially in harder puzzles. Broaden your internal dictionary of the category.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Clues: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. Use the letters you've filled in from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate possibilities for the "bird of the crow family" answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crow family called?
The crow family is scientifically known as Corvidae, which includes a diverse group of passerine birds such as crows, ravens, jays, magpies, and rooks. They are known for their intelligence and adaptability.
Are all black birds part of the crow family?
No, while many corvids are predominantly black (like crows and ravens), not all black birds are part of the crow family. For instance, some starlings, blackbirds, or grackles are also black but belong to different avian families.
Why are birds of the crow family considered intelligent?
Corvids are renowned for their exceptional intelligence, exhibiting complex problem-solving skills, sophisticated communication, tool use (e.g., bending wire hooks, dropping nuts on roads), facial recognition, and even an understanding of abstract concepts, making them among the smartest bird species.