ostrich like bird crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for the solution to the crossword clue "ostrich like bird crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, clear explanations, and handy tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "ostrich like bird crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EMU: A large, fast-running, flightless bird native to Australia, resembling a smaller, shaggier ostrich.
4 Letters
RHEA: A large, flightless bird native to South America, similar in appearance and habits to an ostrich.
9 Letters
CASSOWARY: A very large, flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and Australia, distinguished by its bony casque (helmet) on its head.
More About "ostrich like bird crossword"
The clue "ostrich like bird crossword" frequently appears in puzzles because it points to a specific group of large, flightless birds that share common physical traits and ecological niches with the ostrich, but are distinct species. These birds are part of the 'ratite' family, characterized by their flat breastbones, which means they lack the keeled sternum necessary for flight muscles. This makes them unique and easily identifiable in the animal kingdom, and thus, prime candidates for crossword clues.
While the ostrich is native to Africa, the birds commonly referred to in this type of clue come from other continents. The Emu is an iconic symbol of Australia, and the Rhea is a fascinating inhabitant of South America's grasslands. Cassowaries, with their striking appearance, are found in the rainforests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia. Understanding the geographic distribution and key features of these birds can often help narrow down the possibilities when faced with such a clue, especially if other intersecting words provide hints about location or specific characteristics.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is the most crucial filter, immediately eliminating many possibilities and guiding you toward the correct solution among similar options (e.g., EMU vs. RHEA).
- Think Geographically: Some "ostrich-like bird" clues might subtly hint at the bird's origin. If other clues in the puzzle point to Australia, for example, EMU becomes a stronger candidate. Keep an eye out for such contextual clues.
- Recall Key Characteristics: Beyond just "flightless," remember other defining traits. Is it known for its speed (ostrich, emu)? Its casque (cassowary)? Its habitat (grasslands, forests)? These details can often distinguish between similar answers.
- Use Cross-References: Don't try to solve a tricky clue in isolation. If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them. They might confirm an answer or help you choose between equally plausible options for "ostrich like bird."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are flightless birds common answers in crosswords?
Flightless birds like the ostrich, emu, and rhea are popular crossword answers due to their distinct characteristics and often short, unique names. Their shared trait of being large, fast-running, and unable to fly makes them easily categorized under clues like 'ostrich-like bird', offering solvers a concise set of possibilities across various letter counts.
What are the key differences between an ostrich, an emu, and a rhea?
While all are large, flightless birds, ostriches are the largest and native to Africa, known for their long necks and two-toed feet. Emus are native to Australia, smaller than ostriches, with shaggy brown feathers and three-toed feet. Rheas are found in South America, resembling smaller ostriches with shaggier plumage and three-toed feet. Cassowaries, also flightless, are recognized by their helmet-like casque and vibrant blue faces.
How can I improve my crossword-solving skills for animal clues?
To improve on animal clues, focus on learning categories like 'flightless birds', 'aquatic mammals', or 'African big cats'. Pay attention to their specific characteristics, habitats, and unique features. Regularly solving puzzles, especially those with themed sections, and consulting resources like Crosswordanswer.co.uk can significantly enhance your knowledge base and recall speed for animal-related clues.