New York, Aug. 28, 2025 (AP)

NYT Mini Crossword’s “Birds that Swim Underwater to Catch Fish” Stumps Puzzlers

Solvers of The New York Times Mini Crossword were challenged Wednesday by the clue “Birds that swim underwater to catch fish,” which has a five-letter solution: LOONS. Known for their striking plumage and remarkable diving ability, loons use their powerful legs and webbed feet to pursue fish beneath the water’s surface.

The Mini Crossword, a daily 5x5 puzzle that appears on the NYT website and mobile apps, often features straightforward definitions alongside playful wordplay to engage casual and seasoned solvers alike. While many found the clue’s description deceptively simple, others praised the selection for highlighting an iconic aquatic bird whose underwater prowess is less commonly referenced in everyday conversation.

Loons (family Gaviidae) inhabit lakes and coastal waters across North America and Eurasia. Their sleek bodies and dagger-like beaks enable them to submerge rapidly, chasing down fish at depths of up to 200 feet. Despite this extraordinary adaptation, loons must return to the surface to breathe and can appear comically awkward on land due to their rear-set legs.

Wednesday’s Mini Crossword continued to delight with a mix of fill-in-the-blank, wordplay, and themed entries, reinforcing the puzzle’s reputation as a quick, yet brain-teasing, daily diversion for readers of all ages.