Birds of a feather take center stage in the June 26 NYT Strands puzzle, where the theme “Fowl business” invites solvers to explore the world of game birds. But don’t let the wordplay fool you, this isn’t about shady dealings. From the crisp flutter of quail wings to the festive fanfare of turkeys and pheasants, today’s puzzle cleverly blends nature and cuisine. Whether you’re into wildlife or holiday feasts, this avian-themed brain teaser brings plenty to peck at.
Today’s Strands Theme:
The theme for today’s NYT Strands on June 26, 2025, is Fowl business.
This puzzle revolves around game bird species that are hunted and often served as gourmet fare. From wild forests to festive feasts, these birds strut across culinary and ecological landscapes.
NYT Strands Hint for Today:
The Spangram clue: Species of wild fowl which are hunted and eaten by humans.
Need a bit of help before you peck at the grid? Here are a few handpicked clues:
Hint #1: A large ,long-tailed fowl native to Asia, the male of which typically has very showy plumage.
Hint #2: A short-tailed fowl with mainly brown plumage, found chiefly in Europe.
These two should give you a solid start on today’s feathery challenge.
Strands Spangram Position: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?
The Spangram is mostly HORIZONTAL in direction.
- First letter: Row 2, Column 1
- Last letter: Row 2, Column 9
Today’s Strands Spangram Answer:
The Spangram for Strands #343 on June 26, 2025, is: GameBirds
Today’s Strands Answers:
Here are all the theme words featured in today’s puzzle:
- TURKEY
- GOOSE
- QUAIL
- PHEASANT
- PARTRIDGE
- GROUSE
Reflections on Today’s Puzzle:
This puzzle was a flight through the fascinating world of edible birds. The hint “Fowl business” was a delightful misdirection, making many solvers initially think of idioms or office humor. But once PHEASANT or TURKEY popped into view, the path became clear. The Spangram GameBirds elegantly tied together the set, satisfyingly reinforcing the theme. If you’re into nature documentaries, countryside hunting tales, or even fancy holiday meals, today’s words probably rang a bell.
Conclusion:
The June 26 puzzle was more than just bird names it was a clever homage to the game birds that straddle both wild habitats and human traditions. If you cracked the theme early, the words likely came together with ease. If not, hopefully our hints helped smooth the flight. Either way, every Strands puzzle is a fresh chance to challenge your vocabulary and pattern recognition.