ratite crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "ratite crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all the possible answers and explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "ratite crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
EMU: A large, flightless bird native to Australia, known for its long legs and shaggy feathers.
4 Letters
RHEA: A large, flightless bird native to South America, similar to an ostrich but smaller.
KIWI: A small, nocturnal, flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, known for its long beak and absence of a tail.
7 Letters
OSTRICH: The largest living species of bird, native to Africa, famous for its speed and large eggs.
More About "ratite crossword clue"
Ratites are a fascinating group of birds, scientifically classified under the superorder Palaeognathae. What truly sets them apart is their defining characteristic: they are flightless. This isn't due to a lack of wings, but rather the absence of a keeled sternum, the bone where flight muscles would typically attach. This makes them a unique and often sought-after topic in general knowledge, and, by extension, crossword puzzles.
Common examples of ratites include the towering ostrich, the Australian emu, the South American rhea, and the elusive New Zealand kiwi. Each of these birds has adapted to its environment by relying on speed, camouflage, or unique foraging behaviors rather than flight. Their distinct names and varying letter lengths make them perfect candidates for crossword clues, challenging solvers to think about these unique avian species.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: When faced with a clue like "ratite," always check the number of blanks in the grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities from a potentially long list to just a few options, like EMU (3 letters) or OSTRICH (7 letters).
- Think Geographically: Many ratites are associated with specific continents or countries. For example, if the clue has a geographical hint like "Australian flightless bird," your mind should quickly jump to EMU.
- Look for Synonyms or Similar Concepts: Crossword setters often use indirect clues. "Large ground bird" or "non-flying fowl" might also point to a ratite, even without explicitly mentioning the term. Expanding your vocabulary around common crossword themes is key.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ratite?
Ratites are a diverse group of large, flightless birds characterized by the absence of a keel on their sternum, which means they cannot fly. Examples include ostriches, emus, rheas, kiwis, and cassowaries.
Are all flightless birds ratites?
No, not all flightless birds are ratites. Penguins, for instance, are flightless but have a keeled sternum and are not considered ratites. Ratites are specifically defined by their flat breastbone.
Why are ratites common in crossword puzzles?
Ratites are popular in crossword puzzles due to their unique characteristics (flightless, distinct names, often exotic origins) and because their names (like EMU, RHEA, KIWI) offer various letter counts that fit well into grids.