shore bird crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! You've landed on the right page for comprehensive solutions to the clue "shore bird crossword". Whether you're looking for a quick answer or a deeper understanding, we've got you covered with all possible lengths and insightful explanations.
Solutions for "shore bird crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TERN: A small, graceful water bird related to gulls, often found along coasts and known for its diving for fish.
5 Letters
SNIPE: A wading bird with a long, slender bill and mottled brown plumage, often found in marshy areas near shores.
6 Letters
PLOVER: A small wading bird with a short bill and plump body, found on beaches and open country near water.
CURLEW: A large wading bird with long legs and a distinctive long, downcurved bill, often seen on estuaries and mudflats.
AVOCET: An elegant wading bird with long legs and a distinctive slender, upturned bill, known for sweeping its bill through shallow water.
9 Letters
SANDPIPER: A small to medium-sized wading bird with a relatively long bill and legs, commonly found scurrying along sandy and muddy shores.
13 Letters
OYSTERCATCHER: A distinctive shore bird with a stout, brightly colored (usually orange or red) bill, used for prying open mollusks.
More About "shore bird crossword"
Shore birds are a popular category in crosswords due to their diverse species and unique characteristics. The term generally encompasses a wide range of birds that inhabit coastal environments, including beaches, mudflats, estuaries, and salt marshes. Their names, often concise and descriptive, fit perfectly into crossword grids of various lengths. Clues might focus on their feeding habits (probing mud for invertebrates), distinctive calls, or visual traits like long legs or specific bill shapes.
When you encounter a "shore bird" clue, think about the most common representatives: terns, plovers, sandpipers, and avocets are frequent contenders. However, depending on the puzzle's difficulty, you might also find more obscure species like godwits or dunlins. The key is to consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have, which can narrow down the possibilities significantly. Understanding the subtle differences between these birds can give you a distinct advantage.
Many shore birds are migratory, traveling vast distances between their breeding and wintering grounds. This adds another layer of interest to their study and, occasionally, to crossword clues that reference their journeys or specific habitats. Expanding your ornithological vocabulary, even slightly, can greatly boost your crossword solving prowess.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities and focus on relevant answers like TERN (4 letters) or SANDPIPER (9 letters).
- Think About Common Crossword Birds: Certain bird names appear repeatedly in puzzles due to their utility (e.g., common length, clear definitions). Familiarize yourself with this 'crossword vocabulary' for birds.
- Look for Specific Descriptors: Clues often provide hints beyond just "shore bird." Words like "long-billed," "diving," "wading," or "coastal" can point to specific species within the shore bird family.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already solved from intersecting clues. This is crucial for confirming a guess or revealing the correct answer when multiple options fit the general description.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a 'shore bird' in crosswords?
In crosswords, a 'shore bird' typically refers to any bird commonly found along coastlines, beaches, tidal flats, or marshy areas near water. This includes various species of waders, gulls, terns, and other coastal avian life. The clues often highlight a distinctive feature like their long legs, specific calls, or feeding habits.
Are there common shore bird answers by letter count?
Yes, certain shore birds appear frequently in crosswords based on their common names and varying letter lengths. For example, TERN (4 letters), SNIPE (5 letters), PLOVER (6 letters), CURLEW (6 letters), and SANDPIPER (9 letters) are very common. Knowing these can give you a head start.
How can I improve my knowledge of birds for crosswords?
To improve, try learning common bird names, especially those often seen in nature documentaries or field guides. Pay attention to their classifications (e.g., raptor, wading bird, songbird) and distinctive features. Regularly practicing crosswords also helps, as many bird names are recurring answers.