pelagic bird crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "pelagic bird crossword" clue, you've come to the right place. We provide quick and accurate solutions, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "pelagic bird crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TERN: A seabird often confused with gulls, known for their graceful flight and plunging dives for fish.
5 Letters
BOOBY: A tropical seabird in the gannet family, known for their clumsy movement on land but agile diving.
MURRE: A diving seabird of the auk family, common in northern oceans, recognized by their upright posture on land.
6 Letters
PETREL: Small to medium-sized seabirds, part of the order Procellariiformes, known for their strong flight and ability to spend long periods far from land.
FULMAR: A robust, gull-like pelagic bird, part of the petrel family, known for their stiff-winged gliding flight over the open ocean.
GANNET: Large seabirds related to boobies, distinguished by their pointed bills and spectacular plunge-diving fishing technique.
PUFFIN: A small, charismatic seabird with a brightly colored beak during breeding season, often found in northern oceanic regions.
9 Letters
ALBATROSS: Very large seabirds of the family Diomedeidae, known for their exceptionally long wingspans and ability to glide for long distances over the ocean currents.
KITTIWAKE: A genus of gulls that are strictly pelagic outside the breeding season, known for nesting on steep coastal cliffs.
10 Letters
SHEARWATER: Medium-sized, long-winged seabirds of the petrel family, known for their characteristic flight close to the water's surface, appearing to 'shear' the waves.
11 Letters
FRIGATEBIRD: Tropical seabirds in the family Fregatidae, known for their large size, long forked tails, and a unique ability to steal food from other birds in mid-air.
More About "pelagic bird crossword"
Pelagic birds are true marvels of evolution, spending the vast majority of their lives traversing the open ocean. Unlike coastal birds, these species are highly adapted for life away from land, sourcing their food directly from the sea and often enduring immense distances between breeding colonies and foraging grounds. Their unique adaptations, such as salt-excreting glands, efficient flight, and specialized diets, make them fascinating subjects for ornithologists and, indeed, crossword constructors.
The term "pelagic" directly refers to the pelagic zone of the ocean—the open water not near the coast or bottom. When a crossword clue points to a "pelagic bird," it's asking for a species renowned for this ocean-dwelling lifestyle. Common answers include various species of albatrosses, petrels, and terns, each representing different families but sharing this crucial ecological niche.
Understanding the characteristics of these birds can often lead to the correct answer, even if the specific name isn't immediately apparent. For instance, clues might hint at their vast wingspans (like an ALBATROSS) or their specific diving behaviors (like a TERN). Recognizing these subtle cues, combined with the number of letters, is key to cracking these oceanic puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces. This immediately narrows down the possible pelagic bird names significantly.
- Recall Common Names: Some pelagic birds are more common crossword answers than others. Think of short, well-known names like TERN or longer ones like ALBATROSS.
- Contextual Clues: Pay attention to any additional words in the clue (e.g., "large," "diving," "tropical"). These can provide vital hints to distinguish between similar-length answers.
- Check Intersections: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words to confirm or eliminate potential answers. Even one letter can make a huge difference.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a pelagic bird?
A pelagic bird is a seabird that lives primarily on the open ocean, far from land. They are highly adapted for marine life, often only coming ashore to breed. Examples include albatrosses, petrels, and terns.
Why are pelagic bird names frequently found in crosswords?
Pelagic bird names are popular in crosswords due to their often unique and specific letter patterns, which can fit various word lengths. They also represent a distinct category within zoology, providing interesting and solvable challenges for crossword enthusiasts.
How can I improve my chances of solving 'pelagic bird' crossword clues?
Familiarize yourself with common pelagic bird names like TERN, PETREL, ALBATROSS, and BOOBY. Pay close attention to the letter count provided in the clue, and utilize any intersecting letters you already have from other answers to narrow down the possibilities.