predatory bird crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "predatory bird crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide quick help, detailed explanations, and answers across various letter counts to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "predatory bird crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OWL: A nocturnal bird of prey known for its excellent hearing and large, forward-facing eyes, often associated with wisdom.
4 Letters
HAWK: A medium-sized diurnal bird of prey with broad, rounded wings and keen eyesight, known for its powerful hunting flights.
KITE: A raptor characterized by its graceful, soaring flight, often seen in open country or coastal areas, with several species worldwide.
5 Letters
EAGLE: A large, powerful bird of prey with a heavy head and beak, typically building nests on high cliffs or in tall trees.
6 Letters
FALCON: A swift, long-winged bird of prey, highly agile and known for its incredible speed, especially during its hunting dive or "stoop."
OSPREY: A large, fish-eating bird of prey with a distinctive black and white plumage, often found near large bodies of water.
7 Letters
VULTURE: A scavenging bird of prey that primarily feeds on carrion (dead animals), often characterized by a bald head and neck.
More About "predatory bird crossword clue"
Predatory birds, also widely known as raptors, are fascinating creatures of the avian world, playing crucial roles in their ecosystems as apex predators. These birds are characterized by their sharp talons, hooked beaks, and exceptional eyesight, all adapted for hunting and consuming prey. From the majestic eagle soaring high above the mountains to the silent owl hunting by night, each species employs unique strategies to capture food.
When you encounter 'predatory bird' in a crossword, the clue is generally pointing towards a raptor. However, the specific answer often depends on the number of letters required and any additional context provided in the clue. Knowing the common types like hawks, falcons, owls, and eagles is a great starting point. Occasionally, the clue might broaden to include birds like vultures, which, while primarily scavengers, are still birds of prey.
Understanding the natural world can significantly boost your crossword-solving skills. The more familiar you are with different animal classifications, behaviors, and characteristics, the quicker you'll identify the correct answers for nature-themed clues like 'predatory bird'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: Always check the number of letters specified for the answer. This is your first and most crucial filter. For "predatory bird," a 3-letter answer points to OWL, while 5 letters might mean EAGLE.
- Consider Synonyms and Subtypes: Crossword constructors often use synonyms or specific types of a broader category. For "predatory bird," think of different raptor species. If a specific behavior is mentioned (e.g., "diving predatory bird"), FALCON might be the answer.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. The intersecting letters are powerful hints that can confirm or eliminate potential answers for "predatory bird."
- Context is Key: Pay attention to any other words in the clue. Sometimes a clue like "nocturnal predatory bird" explicitly leads you to OWL, while "large predatory bird" might suggest EAGLE or VULTURE.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a predatory bird in a crossword context?
In crosswords, a predatory bird typically refers to any bird that hunts and kills other animals for food. Common answers include raptors like eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons, but can also extend to scavengers like vultures, depending on the clue's nuance.
Are all predatory birds raptors?
While most birds commonly referred to as 'predatory birds' are indeed raptors (birds of prey characterized by strong talons, sharp beaks, and keen eyesight), the term 'predatory bird' can sometimes be used more broadly. However, in crosswords, it almost exclusively points to a raptor.
What is the fastest predatory bird?
The fastest predatory bird, and indeed the fastest animal on the planet, is the Peregrine Falcon. Known for its incredible diving speeds during its hunting stoop, it can exceed 200 miles per hour (320 km/h), making it a frequent crossword answer when speed is also implied in the clue.