ratites crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "ratites crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "ratites crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

EMU: A large, flightless bird native to Australia, known for its shaggy brown plumage and being the second-largest living bird by height.

4 Letters

RHEA: A large, flightless bird native to South America, similar in appearance to an ostrich but smaller and with a greyish-brown plumage.

KIWI: A small, nocturnal, flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, famous for its long bill with nostrils at the end and hairy feathers.

7 Letters

OSTRICH: The largest living bird, native to Africa, characterized by its long legs, neck, and powerful kicks. Known for its ability to run at high speeds.

9 Letters

CASSOWARY: A large, flightless bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia, noted for its distinctive casque (bony helmet) and vibrant blue and red neck.

More About "ratites crossword clue"

Ratites are an ancient group of flightless birds that represent some of the most iconic avians on Earth. Unlike most birds, their sternum (breastbone) is flat, lacking the keel that serves as an anchor for the strong flight muscles found in flying birds. This evolutionary adaptation has led them to develop other impressive abilities, such as incredible running speeds or unique foraging behaviors, allowing them to thrive in various ecosystems around the globe.

This group includes well-known species like the Ostrich from Africa, Emus and Cassowaries from Australia and New Guinea, Rheas from South America, and the unique Kiwis from New Zealand. Each species has adapted distinctly to its environment, showcasing remarkable diversity within this flightless lineage. Their presence in crosswords often points to their flightless nature or their geographical origins.

Understanding the defining characteristics of ratites can be a significant advantage when tackling crossword clues. Keywords like "flightless," "large bird," or continent-specific references are strong indicators that a ratite might be the answer, especially when combined with the letter count.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are ratites?

Ratites are a diverse group of flightless birds characterized by the absence of a keeled sternum (breastbone), which is where flight muscles usually attach. This anatomical feature prevents them from flying, though many are excellent runners.

Are all flightless birds also considered ratites?

No, not all flightless birds are ratites. While all ratites are flightless, other groups like penguins are also flightless but possess a keeled sternum adapted for powerful swimming. The term 'ratite' specifically refers to the evolutionary lineage with a flat sternum.

How can I quickly identify ratite clues in a crossword puzzle?

Look for clues that mention 'flightless bird,' 'large bird,' or specific geographical regions like 'Australian bird,' 'African plains runner,' or 'New Zealand native.' The number of letters provided will also be a critical hint to narrow down options like EMU, RHEA, KIWI, OSTRICH, or CASSOWARY.