extinct bird crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "extinct bird crossword puzzle clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "extinct bird crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MOA: Large, flightless birds native to New Zealand, hunted to extinction by the Māori people.
AUK: Often refers to the Great Auk, a large, flightless seabird of the North Atlantic, driven to extinction in the mid-19th century.
4 Letters
DODO: A flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius, famously extinct by the late 17th century, often used as a symbol of extinction.
15 Letters
PASSENGERPIGEON: A North American bird that was once incredibly abundant, but became extinct in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss.
More About "extinct bird crossword puzzle clue"
The theme of 'extinct birds' is a recurring favorite in crossword puzzles, appealing to solvers' general knowledge and offering a diverse range of answers from short, common names to longer, more obscure ones. Birds like the DODO, MOA, and the Great AUK are particularly popular due to their distinctiveness and the brevity of their names, making them ideal for fitting into various grid patterns.
These clues often test your historical and biological knowledge, pushing you to recall names of creatures that are no longer with us. Understanding that "extinct bird" can refer to both well-known symbols of extinction and lesser-known species is key to solving these types of clues effectively. Always consider the letter count and any intersecting letters to narrow down the possibilities.
Crossword setters love these clues because they provide a concrete, verifiable answer, yet can still be challenging enough to make you pause and think. The emotional weight of these creatures' stories also adds a layer of interest to the puzzle experience.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider common lengths first: For "extinct bird," DODO (4 letters), MOA (3 letters), and AUK (3 letters) are extremely common. Start by checking if these fit your grid.
- Think regionally: Sometimes the clue might hint at a region (e.g., "extinct New Zealand bird" points to MOA). Pay attention to any extra context.
- Broaden your knowledge: Familiarize yourself with a few more obscure extinct birds like the Passenger Pigeon or Ivory-billed Woodpecker for longer answers. Reading up on natural history can be a fun way to improve your crossword skills.
- Check intersecting letters carefully: This is fundamental for any crossword, but especially for clues where multiple answers of the same length might exist. Intersecting letters are your best friend!
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common extinct bird answers in crosswords?
Common answers include DODO, MOA, and AUK, as they are well-known examples of extinct birds and fit various short letter counts frequently used in puzzles.
Why are extinct animals or birds popular crossword clues?
Extinct animals and birds, especially those with unique or short names, are popular because they offer distinct and often challenging answers that test a solver's general knowledge. Their definitive status (extinct) also makes for clear clueing.
How can I remember extinct bird names for crosswords?
Focus on the most common ones like DODO, MOA, and AUK first. Associate them with their regions (Mauritius for Dodo, New Zealand for Moa) or key characteristics (flightless). Practicing with various puzzles will also build your recall.