species of finch crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "species of finch crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Our comprehensive guide provides all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track and deepen your crossword knowledge.
Solutions for "species of finch crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
LINNET: A small passerine bird of the finch family, often found in open country, heathland, and cultivated areas, known for its pleasant song and often reddish plumage.
SISKIN: A small, migratory finch, typically green and yellow, often seen feeding upside down on cones of conifers or on birches and alders.
CANARY: A popular cage bird of the finch family, originally native to the Canary Islands, known for its singing ability and commonly yellow plumage.
7 Letters
SPARROW: While often considered a separate family (Passeridae), the term 'sparrow' is sometimes loosely used in crosswords to refer to smaller, finch-like birds, and house sparrows are sometimes grouped with finches in older contexts.
9 Letters
GOLDFINCH: A small, colorful finch known for its bright yellow and black plumage, commonly found in gardens and fields across Europe and North America.
CHAFFINCH: One of the most common and widespread finches in Europe, known for its distinctive song and often found in woodlands, gardens, and parks.
BULLFINCH: A distinctive finch with a stout bill and a striking pinkish-red breast in males, found in woodlands and gardens across Europe and Asia.
More About "species of finch crossword clue"
Finch species are a popular subject in crosswords due to their diverse names and easily recognizable characteristics. The Fringillidae family, or true finches, comprises a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are typically seed-eating, with stout, conical bills adapted for cracking seeds. Examples range from the vibrant GOLDFINCH, with its distinctive yellow flashes, to the common CHAFFINCH, known for its robust song, and the delicate LINNET, often found in open countryside.
When you encounter a "species of finch" clue, it's beneficial to consider both common garden birds and more exotic or specific varieties. Crossword setters often leverage the visual appeal or characteristic behaviors of these birds. For instance, a clue might hint at color (e.g., "yellow finch") or song, leading you to specific answers like CANARY or SISKIN. Understanding the common finch species and their lengths can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Ornithology: Many crosswords include clues related to birds. Familiarize yourself with common bird species, including different types of finches, sparrows, tits, and larger birds of prey.
- Consider Variations in Clues: A clue like "species of finch" can sometimes be more general, requiring a very common answer, or very specific, requiring a less common but still valid finch name. Pay attention to any additional descriptors.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match potential answers to the given letter count. For finches, this is particularly important as names can vary from shorter (e.g., SISKIN, 6 letters) to longer (e.g., GOLDFINCH, 9 letters).
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from other solved clues to narrow down possibilities. If you have an 'L' in the third position and 'N' in the fifth, LINNET (6 letters) becomes a strong contender.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are finch species common answers in crosswords?
Finch species are often featured in crosswords due to their diverse names, varying lengths, and distinct characteristics. Many are well-known garden birds (like the GOLDFINCH or CHAFFINCH), making them familiar to a wide audience. Their specific names provide unique letter patterns for setters to use.
Are all birds with 'finch' in their name part of the finch family?
Generally, birds with 'finch' in their common name (e.g., GOLDFINCH, CHAFFINCH, BULLFINCH) typically belong to the true finch family, Fringillidae. However, common names can sometimes be misleading in ornithology, though in crosswords, the direct link is usually reliable.
What other bird-related crossword clues are common?
Besides finches, common bird-related crossword clues often involve various types of owls (e.g., OWL, EAGLE OWL), common garden birds (e.g., ROBIN, WREN, TIT), or birds known for specific traits (e.g., SWAN for grace, CUCKOO for sound). Knowledge of ornithology can be very helpful!