birds wing part crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find all possible solutions for the crossword clue "birds wing part crossword clue," complete with explanations and categorized by letter count to help you quickly solve your puzzle.
Solutions for "birds wing part crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
QUILL: The hollow shaft of a feather, often used to refer to a primary feather.
ALULA: A small group of feathers on the thumb of a bird's wing, aiding in slow flight and landing.
6 Letters
COVERT: Smaller feathers that cover the bases of the larger flight feathers, providing smooth airflow.
FLIGHT: Referring to the large, stiff feathers on a bird's wing that are essential for flight.
7 Letters
FEATHER: A fundamental component covering the wing, essential for flight and insulation.
PRIMARY: Long, stiff flight feathers located at the wingtip, crucial for thrust during flight.
More About "birds wing part crossword clue"
Bird wings are marvels of natural engineering, playing a crucial role in flight, balance, and even communication. Each part, from the large primary feathers at the wingtip to the tiny covert feathers, contributes to the bird's ability to soar, glide, and maneuver. Crossword setters frequently use terms related to avian anatomy, as these words can be specific, intriguing, and offer various letter counts suitable for puzzle grids.
Understanding these specific terms can often unlock challenging clues. For instance, a clue might refer to a "steering feather" (often a tail feather, but wing feathers contribute too), or "leading edge control," hinting at the alula. The precision of these biological terms makes them perfect for creating clever and educational crossword clues that test your vocabulary beyond common knowledge.
The structure and function of bird wings are not only fascinating from a biological perspective but also provide a rich source of vocabulary for word puzzles. Familiarizing yourself with terms like 'quill,' 'alula,' and 'primary' can give you a distinct advantage when facing clues about birds or their anatomy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Specifics: When a clue points to a general category like "bird part," consider the most specific or unique anatomical terms first, like ALULA or QUILLS, rather than just "WING" or "FEATHER."
- Consider Letter Count: If you have some letters filled in, use the known length to narrow down potential answers. For example, 'PRIMARY' (7 letters) fits where 'FEATHER' (7 letters) might, but 'ALULA' (5 letters) would not.
- Look for Plurals: Sometimes, a clue might subtly hint at a plural form, even if the primary answer is singular (e.g., 'PRIMARIES' or 'QUILLS'). Always consider both singular and plural forms if the letter count allows.
- Context is Key: Analyze the rest of the clue. Is it asking about a flight mechanism? A type of feather? A specific bone? This can guide you to the correct part of the wing.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of feathers found on a bird's wing?
A bird's wing typically features primary flight feathers (for thrust), secondary flight feathers (for lift), and covert feathers (which cover the bases of the larger feathers for smooth aerodynamics).
Why are bird wing parts common in crossword puzzles?
Bird anatomy, especially parts related to flight, provides excellent vocabulary for crosswords due to their unique names (e.g., alula, covert, quill) and their direct connection to the natural world, offering diverse word lengths.
How can understanding bird anatomy help with solving crosswords?
Knowing specific terms for bird parts, such as "alula" or "primary," can give you an edge when a clue points to a niche anatomical detail. Many crossword setters enjoy using precise, less common terms related to nature.