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NYT Mini • October 3, 2025

"Silly" birds

Answer:

GEESE

Hint:

These waterfowl are known for their V-shaped flying formations and can be quite aggressive when protecting their young. You might also hear their loud honking in parks or ponds.

Explanation:

"Silly" is a hint to think of the sound geese make—they honk "silly"-sounding noises like "honk" or "squawk." The clue plays on the word "geese" itself, since their calls can sound goofy or silly to people. It’s a straightforward pun where the behavior of the birds matches the adjective in the clue.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints