The thrill of conquering a particularly stubborn crossword clue is a feeling many puzzle solvers chase daily. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing those last few squares fall into place, transforming a jumble of letters into a perfectly coherent grid. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your journey into the world of daily crosswords, certain categories of clues consistently make an appearance, testing our general knowledge and our ability to parse clever wordplay.
One such recurring theme, guaranteed to pique the interest of any nature enthusiast, revolves around the avian kingdom. Specifically, clues asking for a “Bird of prey” are incredibly common in various crossword puzzles, from the quick daily challenges to the more elaborate cryptic crosswords. And when that bird of prey crossword clue comes with a short, tight answer length – like a mere three letters – it often presents a fascinating paradox.
On the one hand, a three-letter answer suggests a very common, well-known creature. We all have images of majestic predators soaring high above, their keen eyes scanning the landscape below. These aren’t obscure, exotic species; they’re the archetypal hunters of the sky, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. But herein lies the rub: the very commonality of these magnificent birds means there could be several potential candidates that fit the bill. This is where the true art of crossword solving comes into play, requiring a careful look at surrounding letters and a moment of thoughtful reflection.
A short crossword clue like “Bird of prey (3)” can be deceptively simple. It doesn’t rely on complex anagrams or obscure definitions. Instead, it leans on straightforward general knowledge, demanding that solvers recall the most concise names for these aerial hunters. Is it a powerful hunter with incredible talons? Or perhaps a smaller, swifter predator known for its agility? The world of birds of prey is vast and varied, even when narrowed down to just three letters. This is what makes such a seemingly simple crossword clue so compelling. It forces us to sift through our mental lexicon, considering all the possibilities that fit the brevity required by the grid.
These types of straightforward definition clues are the bread and butter of many crossword puzzles. They ground the solver, offering a moment of familiarity amidst more challenging wordplay. Yet, even here, a clever puzzle constructor can introduce just enough ambiguity to make you pause, consider your options, and really think about the exact fit. It’s not just about knowing
a
bird of prey; it’s about knowing
the
bird of prey that perfectly slots into that three-letter space, aligning with the letters you’ve already confidently placed. Every crossword clue, no matter how short, demands precision.
So, the next time you encounter a “Bird of prey (3)” crossword clue, take a moment to appreciate the elegant simplicity – and potential trickiness – it embodies. It’s a classic for a reason, a small but mighty challenge that epitomizes the joy of the daily crossword puzzle. This particular crossword clue is a delightful little brain-teaser. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
OWL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 23 September 2025