Woodland birds (5,4) Crossword Clue
Answer: TAWNY OWLS (9 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Woodland birds (5,4)" with 9 letters is "TAWNY OWLS".Tawny owls are woodland birds known for their reddish-brown feathers and distinctive hooting calls, commonly found in forests across Europe and parts of Asia. They are nocturnal predators that thrive in dense woodlands, using their keen hearing and silent flight to hunt small mammals at night.
Why "Tawny Owls" Fits
The clue asks for a phrase (5,4) meaning "woodland birds." The answer, TAWNY OWLS, fits perfectly:
- Woodland birds: Tawny owls are a well-known species of owl frequently found in wooded areas across Europe and parts of Asia, directly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With five letters in the first word and four in the second, tawny owls fits the (5,4) enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The term refers to Strix aluco, a bird of prey whose camouflage and nocturnal habits make it an iconic woodland resident.
Tawny owls are famous and frequently referenced in nature, folklore, and ornithology:
Origin and usage:
- “Tawny” refers to their warm, brown, mottled plumage, which matches tree bark and leaf litter.
- Native to temperate forests and woodland habitats, but also found in parks and gardens.
- Known for the classic “twit-twoo” call, making them one of the most recognizable owl species.
Examples and features:
- “Tawny owls hunt small mammals and birds at night.”
- “The quiet shape of a tawny owl blends perfectly in deep forest.”
- “In British folklore, the tawny owl’s call is a symbol of mystery and wisdom.”
In quick crosswords like “Woodland birds (5,4),” clues about nature or animals often point to compound names with descriptive first terms:
Definition: “Woodland birds” is a category clue steering to a bird species rather than a general class.
Clue type: Example-of-a-kind or general-to-specific phrasing.
Solving approach:
- Consider two-word bird names with woodland habitats: tawny owls, barn owls (doesn’t fit 5,4), song thrush (no owl reference).
- Compound bird names with clear descriptors and four-letter second word are frequently favored.
Crossword pattern: Animal species, especially birds, are common in crosswords for their familiar, evocative names and clearly mapped enumerations.
