Today’s NYT Strands (Puzzle #701) for Monday, February 2, 2026, takes flight with a theme that focuses on size rather than flight ability. “Formidable Flock” might sound intimidating, but once you find one of these feathered giants, the rest tend to follow quickly.
Whether you are looking for the Spangram or just need to find that last elusive avian, we have the full breakdown below.
Puzzle Analysis
Today’s grid is populated by birds that are known for being large, heavy, or just imposing.
- Theme: “Formidable Flock”
- Spangram: Touches two opposite sides of the board.
- Total Words: 7 (including the Spangram).
- Vibe: Large, often flightless birds.
Hints for Today’s Puzzle
Need a nudge without the full reveal? Here are your clues to help you connect the letters.
1. The Theme Hint
Think of birds you wouldn’t want to mess with—or ones that are simply too heavy to perch on a telephone wire.
2. Word Clues
- Hint A: The largest living bird, native to Africa.
- Hint B: A tuxedo-wearing bird from the Antarctic.
- Hint C: A large water bird with a distinctive throat pouch.
- Hint D: A dangerous Australian bird with a helmet-like casque.
3. Spangram Hint
This two-word phrase describes the general category of the puzzle’s answers (literally large avians).
Spoilers Below!
Warning: The section below contains the direct answers for today’s puzzle.
Today’s Spangram
The Spangram for February 2 is:
BIGBIRDS
Full Word List
Here are the 6 theme words found in the grid:
- RHEA
- CONDOR
- OSTRICH
- PELICAN
- PENGUIN
- CASSOWARY
How to Play Strands
If you are new to the New York Times Strands game, here is the quick rundown:
- Find Words: Connect letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to form words related to the daily theme.
- The Spangram: One special word (the “Spangram”) describes the puzzle’s theme and spans across the entire board, touching two opposite sides.
- Blue vs. Yellow: Theme words turn blue when found. The Spangram turns yellow.
- Hints: Find 3 non-theme words to earn a hint, which reveals the letters of a theme word.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Strands answer for February 2?
The solutions for the February 2 puzzle include RHEA, CONDOR, OSTRICH, PELICAN, PENGUIN, and CASSOWARY.
What is the Spangram for today?
The Spangram is BIGBIRDS.
When does Strands reset?
The puzzle resets daily at midnight local time.
