extinct bird crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the crossword clue 'extinct bird crossword clue'. We aim to provide all possible solutions to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "extinct bird crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MOA: Large, flightless birds native to New Zealand, hunted to extinction by the Māori people by the 15th century.
4 Letters
DODO: A flightless bird endemic to Mauritius, famously extinct in the 17th century due to human activity and introduced species.
8 Letters
TERATORN: An extinct group of giant condor-like birds from the Americas, including some of the largest flying birds ever discovered.
9 Letters
GASTORNIS: A genus of large, flightless birds from the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, often considered a top predator of its time.
12 Letters
ELEPHANTBIRD: A common name for the extinct, giant flightless birds of Madagascar belonging to the family Aepyornithidae.
More About "extinct bird crossword clue"
The clue "extinct bird" often appears in crosswords, challenging solvers to recall specific avian species that no longer exist. These birds fascinate us because their disappearance serves as a stark reminder of biodiversity loss, often due to human impact or natural environmental changes. From the iconic Dodo of Mauritius to the formidable Elephant Birds of Madagascar, these creatures left their mark on history and now frequently appear in puzzles.
Common answers for this clue vary widely by letter count, making it a versatile and sometimes tricky entry. The most famous, the Dodo, is a popular choice for its notoriety and short, memorable name. Other answers might delve into prehistoric birds like the Gastornis or the giant Moa, requiring a broader knowledge of paleontology. Understanding the common examples and their lengths can significantly speed up your crossword-solving process when encountering this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Letter Count: Always start by checking how many letters the answer needs. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "extinct bird," ruling out longer names if only three letters are required, for example.
- Think of Famous Examples: Start with the most well-known extinct birds like the Dodo or Moa. These are frequent crossword answers due to their widespread recognition.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Use the letters from crossing words to confirm your guess. If you have a 'D' at the beginning and an 'O' at the end, 'DODO' becomes a strong candidate.
- Broaden Your Knowledge: If the common answers don't fit, consider less famous but still notable extinct birds or even prehistoric ones. Crossword setters sometimes pull from a wider pool of knowledge.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are extinct animals common crossword clues?
Extinct animals, particularly birds like the Dodo or Moa, are popular crossword clues because their unique names and historical significance make them well-known yet often specific enough to fit various letter counts. They provide a good balance of general knowledge and particularity for puzzle setters.
How do I identify the correct extinct bird when multiple options fit the letter count?
To narrow down the options, always cross-reference with intersecting words. Look for context clues in the puzzle's theme or other clues that might hint at a specific era (e.g., prehistoric, recent extinction) or geographical origin. Sometimes, the setter is looking for the most commonly known example for that length.
What's the shortest common answer for an extinct bird crossword clue?
The shortest and one of the most common answers for an extinct bird clue is 'MOA', which is a 3-letter word. It refers to the large, flightless birds native to New Zealand.