June 3, 2026 Daily / 5D / 3 letters
Puzzle clues NYT Crossword
Bird with "barn" and "barred" varieties NYT Crossword Clue
Use the hint first, then reveal the answer only if you need it.
Hint
This clue leans on a named person, work, title, or quoted phrase. Identify the reference, then fit it into a 3-letter slot.
How to solve it
Read the clue type first
For the clue: Bird with "barn" and "barred" varieties, first identify whether the wording is direct, referential, abbreviated, or playful. This one is best treated as a reference clue.
- This clue leans on a named person, work, title, or quoted phrase. Identify the reference, then fit it into a 3-letter slot.
- At 3 letters, this is a compact entry, so one crossing letter can change the solve quickly.
- This clue appears at 5D in the NYT Crossword, so check the Across crossings for confirmation.
Reveal Answer Hide Answer
OWL
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
OWL is the 3-letter answer for the clue: Bird with "barn" and "barred" varieties. The clue points to a specific reference rather than a broad synonym, which is why exact spelling matters. In this NYT Crossword, it appears at 5D, so the crossing entries help verify the exact spelling.
- Grid entry: OWL in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _.
- Clue type: Reference clue.
- OWL has 3 letters, matching the required slot for 5D.
Answer history
Other NYT Crossword Clues Using OWL
We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.
View all OWL clues Position 5D
Answer length 3
Puzzle type Daily
Advertisements
History
Clue History
Related