NYT Puzzle #701: February 2, 2026 Hints & Solutions
Puzzle #701 of the New York Times Strands was released on February 2, 2026. The theme for today’s puzzle is “Formidable flock,” which alludes to notable large birds. Players must locate words connected to this theme within a 6×8 letter grid.
Understanding Strands
In the Strands puzzle, themed words are concealed within the grid. Players search for words that can be formed in various directions: horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Each letter is used once, and the spangram – a significant term related to the day’s theme – stretches across the grid, connecting opposite edges.
Today’s Theme: Formidable Flock
This phrase refers to large, impressive birds that capture attention. When solving the puzzle, consider:
- Birds recognized for their size.
- Flightless birds and large flying species.
- Birds with striking physical traits or cultural importance.
Spangram Information
The spangram for today’s puzzle is composed of eight letters, starting at the first letter of the fifth row. Players can receive hints by identifying any four-letter word three times, which will uncover additional letters related to the theme.
Progressive Hints for the Spangram
- Hint 1: Think of a term that describes notable birds collectively.
- Hint 2: This term highlights a group of impressive avian species, particularly those distinguished by their size.
- Hint 3: It starts with B and ends with S — BIGBIRDS.
Word-by-Word Hints
Here are hints for identifying the words related to the theme:
- Word 1: A large, flightless bird from South America. Answer: RHEA
- Word 2: A massive vulture from the Americas, known for its large wingspan. Answer: CONDOR
- Word 3: The largest living bird, notable for its speed and strong legs. Answer: OSTRICH
- Word 4: A water bird with a unique throat pouch, recognized for its fishing skills. Answer: PELICAN
- Word 5: A flightless bird suited for cold climates, characterized by its black and white coloration. Answer: PENGUIN
- Word 6: A large, flightless bird native to Australia and New Guinea, distinguished by a striking blue neck. Answer: CASSOWARY
Puzzle Summary
The spangram for this puzzle is BIGBIRDS. The theme words include: RHEA, CONDOR, OSTRICH, PELICAN, PENGUIN, and CASSOWARY. The puzzle has a moderate difficulty, with CASSOWARY being the trickiest word due to its less common status and nine-letter length.
This ornithology-themed puzzle effectively fulfills the “Formidable flock” prompt. The diversity of flightless and large flying birds enriches the challenge, though some players might find the rarer entries difficult.
