The world of crossword puzzles is vast, and few things capture the imagination quite like a well-crafted animal clue. Today’s focus, a delightful brain-teaser many a solver has encountered, is the concise yet evocative
“Cousin of a gull.”
This particular crossword clue, simple in its phrasing, immediately sets the stage for a delightful dive into ornithology and etymology.
When faced with a crossword clue that references a family relationship – “cousin,” “sibling,” “parent” – the astute solver immediately understands that we’re looking for something biologically proximate, sharing lineage or at least significant characteristics. A gull is a universally recognized seabird, known for its distinctive calls, its presence along coastlines, and its often opportunistic feeding habits. It’s a ubiquitous figure of maritime landscapes, soaring on thermals or squawking from piers.
So, what exactly constitutes a “cousin” in the context of this avian crossword clue? It suggests a creature that shares many traits with a gull: likely a coastal or pelagic bird, perhaps similar in size or general appearance, definitely sharing the family
Laridae
or a very closely related branch. Yet, crucially, it must be distinct enough to warrant its own name, its own identity. It’s not simply a
type
of gull; it’s a relative, a distinct species often found in similar habitats, but with subtle differences in plumage, flight pattern, beak shape, or even typical behavior.
Think about the characteristics of gulls: often large to medium-sized, typically white with grey or black markings on the wings and back, strong flyers, and adapted to life by the water. They are generalists, thriving in various environments from open ocean to urban dumps. The “cousin” implied by this crossword clue must fit into this general ecological niche, yet possess specific features that differentiate it. Perhaps it’s more graceful in flight, has a more pointed bill, or exhibits a more specialized diet.
Many seasoned crossword solvers will know that avian clues, especially those pertaining to seabirds, can sometimes group species that appear similar to the casual observer but are distinct to the ornithologist. The beauty of this specific crossword clue, “Cousin of a gull,” lies in its demand for precision. It’s not just
any
bird seen near the sea; it’s one with a clear, recognized kinship. The setter isn’t asking for a trick answer or a wordplay contortion; they’re testing your knowledge of bird families and their scientific classifications, albeit presented in a charmingly accessible way.
Consider the family album of marine birds. While gulls themselves are diverse, ranging from the tiny Little Gull to the formidable Great Black-backed, their “cousins” branch off, maintaining a shared ancestral heritage while forging their own evolutionary paths. When you ponder this particular crossword clue, envision what distinguishes the generalist gull from its more specialized, perhaps more elegant, relative.
This particular crossword clue asks you to pinpoint that specific avian relative. It’s a journey into identifying those subtle markers that differentiate species within a broader ecological group. What might it be? A bird known for its swift, acrobatic flight and plunge-diving for fish, often mistaken for a smaller gull but possessing a more slender body and pointed wings? Or perhaps a bird known for its distinctive forked tail and agile aerial hunting?
The answer to this crossword clue is a classic example of how crosswords educate and entertain simultaneously. It encourages us to look beyond the obvious, to appreciate the delicate distinctions within nature, and to marvel at the specific terminology we use to categorize the world around us. So, next time you see this crossword clue, take a moment to consider the nuanced world of seabirds and their intricate relationships. The “cousin” is out there, gracefully navigating the same skies and seas as its more famous relative, waiting to be identified by the keen solver.
Available Answers:
TERN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Tuesday’s Daily By Jeff Stillman / Ed. Patti Varol