Cousins of magpies

Stumped by That Crossword Clue? Let’s Crack “Cousins of Magpies”!

Ah, the crossword puzzle. A delightful brain teaser, a satisfying challenge, and occasionally, a frustrating wall of impenetrable clues. Today’s focus? A particularly tricky one that’s sent solvers scrambling:

“Cousins of magpies.”

This clue relies on your knowledge of avian families and taxonomic relationships. It’s not looking for a direct synonym or description of magpies themselves. Instead, it taps into your understanding of the broader Corvidae family – the family to which magpies belong. This clever little clue forces us to think laterally, moving beyond the immediate and familiar towards a wider understanding of the bird world.

To help you on your way, let’s consider what makes a magpie a magpie. Their striking black and white plumage? Their intelligence? Their propensity for collecting shiny objects? While these characteristics are certainly memorable, they don’t directly help us identify their relatives within the Corvidae family. The clue plays on a deeper, more scientific connection.

Think about the characteristics that
define
the Corvidae family as a whole. What behavioral traits do many of these birds share? What about their physical attributes? Considering these broader features might unlock the answer to this seemingly cryptic clue.

Remember, crossword clues often use wordplay and misdirection. Don’t let the simplicity of the phrasing fool you. This clue requires more than a simple Google search for “magpie relatives.” It requires a deeper understanding of ornithology and a bit of clever deduction.

So, put on your thinking caps, sharpen your pencils (or fire up your digital crossword solver!), and let’s tackle this fascinating challenge together. Good luck, and happy puzzling! Let me know in the comments if you’ve cracked the code! I’m eager to hear your solving strategies.

Available Answers:

JAYS.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 8 Dec 24, Sunday