Flightless bird (3) Crossword Clue
Answer: EMU (3 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Flightless bird" with 3 letters is "EMU".Emu is a large, flightless bird native to Australia, known for its long legs, fast running speed, and resemblance to the ostrich. It is the second-largest living bird in the world and plays an important role in Australia’s wildlife and culture..
Why “Emu” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (3 letters) meaning “flightless bird.” The answer, EMU, fits perfectly:
- Flightless bird: Emu refers to a large, ground-dwelling bird native to Australia, well known for being flightless due to its small wings and strong running legs.
- Direct match: With three letters, emu fits the clue’s enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The term directly defines a species famous for its inability to fly, aligning precisely with the clue’s wording.
The emu is one of the most iconic birds in the animal kingdom:
- Origin and usage: The name emu comes from early European explorers, likely derived from the Portuguese word ema, used for large birds.
- Characteristics:
- Second-largest living bird after the ostrich.
- Can run speeds up to 50 km/h thanks to long, muscular legs.
- Covered with soft brown feathers that insulate against Australia’s hot climate.
- Habitat: Found across Australia’s open plains, woodlands, and savannas.
- Cultural presence: Featured on Australia’s Coat of Arms alongside the kangaroo, symbolizing endurance and progress (since neither can easily move backward).
- Examples:
- “The emu cannot fly but can sprint incredibly fast.”
- “Farmers often see wild emus roaming across the Outback.”
- “Emu leather and oil are valuable byproducts in Australian agriculture.”
In quick crosswords, clues like “flightless bird (3)” tend to appear often and usually point to recognizable short animal names:
- Other possible answers in similar clues include moa (extinct), rhea (South American), or kiwi (New Zealand), but emu fits perfectly here because of its brevity (3 letters) and global familiarity.
- The clue’s direct and literal phrasing—“flightless bird”—leaves no cryptic misdirection, making emu the straightforward solution.
