crossword clue shore bird – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue shore bird", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with explanations to help you understand why each word fits. Get ready to complete your puzzle with ease!
Solutions for "crossword clue shore bird" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TERN: A seabird often found on coasts, known for its graceful flight and typically forked tail, making it a common crossword answer for 'shore bird'.
GULL: A common coastal bird, usually found near water, known for its loud calls and scavenging habits, frequently used as a 'shore bird' answer.
5 Letters
EGRET: A wading bird with long legs, often white, typically found in wetlands and on shorelines, a popular and elegant solution for this clue.
6 Letters
PLOVER: A small to medium-sized wading bird with a short bill, commonly found on beaches, mudflats, and open fields, fitting the 'shore bird' description.
CURLEW: A large wading bird recognized by its remarkably long, slender, and downcurved bill, often seen probing for food on shorelines and estuaries.
9 Letters
SANDPIPER: A diverse family of small to medium-sized wading birds, frequently seen along coastlines and mudflats, known for their rapid feeding movements.
More About "crossword clue shore bird"
The term "shore bird" in crosswords typically refers to any bird species that inhabits coastal areas, including beaches, estuaries, mudflats, and rocky shores. This broad category covers a wide range of avian life, from the smallest sandpipers scurrying along the tideline to the majestic egrets wading in shallow waters. Crossword setters love these clues because the rich variety of names provides ample options for different letter counts and puzzle themes.
These birds are often migratory, travelling vast distances between their breeding and non-breeding grounds, and many are easily identifiable by their distinctive features like long legs, specialized bills for foraging, or unique plumage. Familiarity with common shore birds can be a significant advantage for crossword enthusiasts, helping them quickly identify potential answers for 'shore bird' clues or related entries.
Beyond their practical use in puzzles, shore birds play vital roles in coastal ecosystems. Their presence is often an indicator of environmental health. Learning about these birds through crosswords can also spark a broader interest in ornithology and conservation, adding another layer of enjoyment to your puzzle-solving experience.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count: Always start by looking at the number of blanks provided. This immediately narrows down the possible shore bird answers to those of the correct length (e.g., 4-letter TERN vs. 9-letter SANDPIPER).
- Examine Neighboring Clues: Crossword puzzles are interconnected. Solving surrounding clues can provide crucial intersecting letters, which can reveal the correct shore bird answer even if you don't know it immediately.
- Think About Bird Characteristics: Some clues might hint at a specific feature. For example, if a clue refers to a bird with a long, curved bill, think CURLEW. If it's a small, scurrying bird on the beach, consider SANDPIPER or PLOVER.
- Expand Your Avian Vocabulary: If you frequently encounter bird clues, it might be beneficial to familiarize yourself with common bird names across different habitats, not just shore birds. This broadens your knowledge base for future puzzles.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common characteristics of shore birds in crosswords?
Shore birds in crosswords often refer to wading birds or seabirds. Clues might hint at their habitat (beaches, mudflats), appearance (long legs, distinctive bills), or behavior (wading, scavenging).
Why is 'shore bird' a popular crossword clue?
The category 'shore bird' encompasses many species with varying letter counts, from short names like TERN to longer ones like SANDPIPER, making it versatile for different puzzle grids. Their distinct features also provide good material for cryptic clues.
How can I distinguish between different 'shore bird' answers?
Pay close attention to the number of letters required and any additional context in the clue. For example, a clue mentioning a forked tail might point to TERN, while a long, curved bill could indicate CURLEW. Cross-referencing with other solved words in the puzzle is also key.