Bird of prey (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: SHRIKE (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Bird of prey" with 6 letters is "SHRIKE".A shrike is a small to medium-sized bird of prey known for its aggressive hunting behavior, often impaling its prey on thorns or fences. It is recognized for its predatory skills, particularly its ability to catch and kill insects, small mammals, and birds.
Why “Shrike” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (6 letters) meaning “bird of prey.” The answer, SHRIKE, fits exactly:
- Bird of prey: A shrike is a small predatory bird known for its habit of catching insects, small animals, or birds, and sometimes impaling them on thorns or barbed wire.
- Direct match: With 6 letters, shrike precisely fits the clue’s enumeration.
- Fitting definition: Though smaller than traditional raptors like eagles or hawks, shrikes are still classified as predatory birds, justifying the clue.
The shrike has a distinctive place among birds of prey:
- Origin and usage: The name comes from Old English scríc, meaning “shriek,” in reference to its harsh call.
- Nicknamed: They are sometimes called “butcher birds” because of their practice of impaling prey as food storage.
- Examples: “The shrike perched on the fence with a captured beetle,” or “Shrikes are known for their unusual hunting behavior.”
In quick crosswords, clues like “bird of prey (6)” can point to less obvious species beyond the big raptors:
- Obvious guesses include eagle (5) or falcon (6), but shrike provides a more specific and slightly trickier answer.
- The 6-letter enumeration encourages solvers to think beyond the most common predators, rewarding those familiar with bird names.
With its exact length, predatory habits, and crossword-friendly spelling, shrike is the correct and precise solution.
