Today's NYT Strands is live for Monday, February 2, 2026 (Puzzle #701). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.
How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)
Strands hides themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.
The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.
Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.
Theme Decoder
Today's Theme Prompt: "Formidable flock"
What It Really Means
You're looking for large, impressive birds - the kind that command attention with their size, presence, or reputation.
Think About...
- Birds known for their size or imposing appearance
- Flightless birds and large flying species
- Birds with notable physical characteristics or cultural significance
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Horizontal
Letter Count: 8 letters
Starting Zone: First letter of the fifth row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): Think of a phrase describing large, notable birds collectively.
Hint 2 (Warmer): This term could describe a group of impressive avian species, especially those that stand out in size.
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is B, last letter is S
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BIGBIRDS
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: A large, flightless bird from South America
Closer: Related to ostriches and emus, with three toes
Letter Clue: Starts with R, 4 letters total
Answer
RHEA
Word 2
Vague: A massive vulture from the Americas
Closer: One of the world's largest flying birds, with a huge wingspan
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 6 letters total
Answer
CONDOR
Word 3
Vague: The world's largest living bird
Closer: Flightless African bird known for its speed and powerful legs
Letter Clue: Starts with O, 7 letters total
Answer
OSTRICH
Word 4
Vague: A large water bird with a distinctive throat pouch
Closer: Known for its fishing skills and expandable bill
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 7 letters total
Answer
PELICAN
Word 5
Vague: A flightless bird adapted to cold climates
Closer: Black and white bird that swims expertly but cannot fly
Letter Clue: Starts with P, 7 letters total
Answer
PENGUIN
Word 6
Vague: A large, flightless bird from Australia and New Guinea
Closer: Known for its striking blue neck and helmet-like casque
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 9 letters total
Answer
CASSOWARY
Full Answers
Spangram: BIGBIRDS
Theme Words:
- RHEA
- CONDOR
- OSTRICH
- PELICAN
- PENGUIN
- CASSOWARY
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Trickiest Word: CASSOWARY (Lesser-known compared to other large birds, and the 9-letter length makes it challenging to spot)
Our Take: A solid ornithology-themed puzzle that delivers exactly what the "Formidable flock" prompt promises. The mix of flightless birds and large flying species creates good variety, though some players might struggle with the less common entries. The spangram "BIGBIRDS" is straightforward but effective, tying the theme together neatly.
