Feathers and Fangs: Unpacking a Curious Crossword Clue
There’s a unique thrill that washes over every crossword solver when they encounter a clue that just… stops them dead in their tracks. It’s not about being stumped in a frustrating way, but rather in that delightful, “Ooh, this is going to be good” kind of way. These are the
crossword clues
that challenge your perceptions, stretch your vocabulary, and force you to dance a mental jig with the setter. Today, we’re diving into one such beauty that recently caught my eye:
“Parrot variety is bird of prey (6)“
.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
seems almost contradictory, doesn’t it? You conjure images of vibrant, chattering parrots – perhaps a macaw, a cockatoo, a budgie – birds known for their mimicry and often their vibrant plumage. Then, the phrase “bird of prey” snaps you to attention, bringing to mind the majestic, often fearsome hunters of the skies: eagles, hawks, falcons, with their sharp talons and piercing gazes. How, you might ask, can a “parrot variety”
be
a “bird of prey”? This apparent paradox is precisely where the genius of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies.
Crossword setters are masters of misdirection, and they love to play with our ingrained assumptions. When you see “parrot variety,” your brain immediately goes to the biological classification, to species names. But what if “variety” isn’t referring to a specific species name in the traditional sense? What if it’s a quality, a characteristic, or even a different type of classification entirely? And what about “is”? In crosswords, “is” can be a simple equivalence, but it can also hide a deeper connection, a wordplay link, or a common attribute that bridges two seemingly unrelated concepts.
Consider the length indicator: (6). This vital piece of information narrows down our search considerably. It tells us we’re looking for a single, six-letter word that manages to bridge the gap between these two distinct avian worlds. It’s a powerful hint, guiding our thoughts without giving away the game. This length constraint is often the key to unlocking the trickiest
crossword clues
.
The real challenge with a
crossword clue
like this is to step outside the literal box. You have to consider alternative meanings for “parrot” or “variety,” or even for “bird of prey.” Is there a less common understanding of one of these terms? Is there a shared characteristic that allows these two seemingly disparate categories to overlap in a clever, linguistic way? The best
crossword clues
often rely on homonyms, synonyms, or clever wordplay that forces you to abandon your first instinct.
Think about the nuances of language. Sometimes, words have multiple lives – a literal definition, a figurative one, or even a usage that’s tied to a specific context. Could “parrot” be used in a way that implies something other than just the colorful, talking bird? Could “bird of prey” describe something beyond the winged predator? These are the mental gymnastics that turn a seemingly impossible
crossword clue
into an exhilarating “Aha!” moment.
The satisfaction of solving a particularly knotty
crossword clue
like this is unparalleled. It’s a testament to the power of lateral thinking, the beauty of the English language, and the sheer delight of deciphering the setter’s intricate puzzle. It’s about seeing the hidden connections and appreciating the cleverness embedded in just a few words. Keep pondering this one, and you’ll find that the answer, when it clicks, will make perfect, satisfying sense. The journey to decode such a
crossword clue
is half the fun.
Available Answers:
RAPTOR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 21 July 2025