On February 2, 2026, the New York Times introduced its Strands puzzle, marked as Puzzle #701, which provides a themed word-search experience centered around the concept of a “Formidable flock.”
The Strands puzzle is designed within a 6×8 letter grid, where participants are tasked with locating words that correlate with a given theme. Players can find words arranged in any direction—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—while adhering to the rule that each letter may only be utilized once.
The central theme is captured through a spangram, which connects opposite edges of the grid. For those requiring extra help, hints can be accessed by identifying non-theme words that have four or more letters, up to three times.
In this puzzle, players will search for terms describing impressive and sizable birds. Key considerations include avian species recognized for their striking aesthetics or large size, as well as various flightless birds or significant examples of flyer birds.
The spangram for this puzzle is oriented horizontally, characterized by eight letters, and starts from the first letter of the fifth row. Players are encouraged to solve it with the progressive hints provided:
– Hint 1: Look for a term for a group of large, impressive birds.
– Hint 2: This term may refer to notable species recognized for their dimensions.
– Hint 3: The first letter is “B,” and the last letter is “S,” leading to the answer: BIGBIRDS.
Participants can also access clues for individual words, designed to aid them through the puzzle. Examples include:
– Word 1: A large, flightless bird from South America, related to ostriches and emus. (Answer: RHEA)
– Word 2: A massive vulture from the Americas known for its enormous wingspan. (Answer: CONDOR)
– Word 3: The largest living bird, recognized for its speed and powerful legs. (Answer: OSTRICH)
– Word 4: A large water bird distinguished by its throat pouch, known for adept fishing. (Answer: PELICAN)
– Word 5: A flightless bird from colder regions that swims but cannot fly. (Answer: PENGUIN)
– Word 6: A striking, flightless bird native to Australia with distinctive features. (Answer: CASSOWARY)
This puzzle is rated moderate in difficulty, with “CASSOWARY” posing a particular challenge due to its rarity and length. Overall, it successfully encapsulates the theme “Formidable flock,” providing enthusiasts with a delightful exploration of both large flightless and prominent flying birds. With its engaging format and rich subject matter, this puzzle promises to captivate bird enthusiasts and puzzle solvers alike.