Hens and drakes (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DUCKS
Understanding the Crossword Clue: Hens and Drakes (5)
- The crossword clue "Hens and drakes (5)" refers to DUCKS, where hens represent female ducks and drakes are male ducks.
- This five-letter answer demonstrates how crossword constructors use collective terminology to create engaging puzzles that test solvers' knowledge of animal classifications and vocabulary.
Expert Tips for Solving Animal Terminology Clues
- When encountering clues about animal groups or gender-specific terms, consider the following strategies. First, identify whether the clue refers to male and female versions of the same species.
- Second, count the letters carefully to ensure your answer matches the given number. Third, think about common animals that might have specific gender terminology.
- Professional crossword solvers recommend building vocabulary around animal classifications, as these clues appear regularly in puzzles.
- Familiarizing yourself with terms like hens and drakes, ewes and rams, or mares and stallions can significantly improve solving speed and accuracy.
Hens and drakes (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between hens and drakes?
A: Hens are female ducks, while drakes are male ducks. Drakes typically have more colorful plumage and distinctive tail curls called drake feathers.
Q: Do all duck species use hen and drake terminology?
A: Yes, the terms hen and drake apply to all duck species, from common mallards to exotic wood ducks and everything in between.
Q: Why do crosswords use "hens and drakes" instead of just "ducks"?
A: This phrasing tests solvers' knowledge of specific animal terminology while creating a more challenging and educational clue than simply stating "waterfowl."
Q: Are there other animals with similar male/female naming patterns?
A: Absolutely. Chickens (hens and roosters), cattle (cows and bulls), and horses (mares and stallions) all follow similar gender-specific naming conventions.
