Colorful parrot with a long tail

Published by Naitik Mehta · March 24, 2026

Stuck on the clue Colorful parrot with a long tail from the New York Times Mini for March 24, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?

Clue

Colorful parrot with a long tail (5)

Answer

M
A
C
A
W

The answer to Colorful parrot with a long tail is Macaw (5 letters).

Why does Macaw fit this clue?

This is a direct definition clue where 'Colorful parrot with a long tail' describes MACAW, a large tropical bird known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive elongated tail feathers. Macaws are among the most recognizable parrots, with species displaying brilliant reds, blues, yellows, and greens in striking combinations. Their long, graduated tail feathers can extend well beyond their body length, making them easily distinguishable from other parrot species. Native to Central and South American rainforests, macaws are popular in zoos and as exotic pets due to their intelligence and spectacular appearance.

What does Colorful parrot with a long tail mean?

We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.

colorful

adjective

•having bright or vivid colors

parrot

noun

•a tropical bird with a curved beak, often kept as a pet and able to mimic speech

Where did this clue appear?

This clue appeared as 5-across in the New York Times Mini on March 24, 2026, by Tracy Bennett, edited by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.

NYT Mini — Mar 24, 2026

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What does Macaw mean?

noun

•Any of various parrots of the genera Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca, Primolius and Diopsittaca of Central and South America, including the largest parrots and characterized by long sabre-shaped tails, curved powerful bills, and usually brilliant plumage.

Origin of the word Macaw

•origin: Portuguese 'macao' from Tupi 'makao'

•period: 17th century

The word entered English through Portuguese traders who borrowed it from the indigenous Tupi language of Brazil, where these colorful parrots were first encountered by Europeans.

How to use Macaw in a sentence

Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Macaw.

•“The bright red macaw perched on the branch, its magnificent long tail feathers swaying in the tropical breeze.”

•“Visitors to the zoo were amazed by the intelligence of the blue and gold macaw as it solved puzzles and mimicked human speech.”

•“Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting wild macaw populations in the Amazon rainforest from habitat destruction.”

What are other crossword clues for Macaw?

Learn about related clues

All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 24, 2026 crossword

The New York Times Mini for March 24, 2026 was published by Tracy Bennett and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.

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Frequently asked questions about Colorful parrot with a long tail

What is the answer to Colorful parrot with a long tail?
The answer is Macaw (5 letters).
Where did this clue appear?
This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 24, 2026.
How many letters does the answer to Colorful parrot with a long tail have?
The answer has 5 letters: Macaw.

Author

Naitik Mehta

Naitik Mehta

Co-founder

Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.