

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword for May 22, 2026, featured a smart bird-themed puzzle with creative clues linked to movies, sounds, idioms, and famous bird names.
Clues like Crow, Crane, Hawk, Owl, and Honk made the puzzle fun and engaging, while tricky answers like Craw added an extra challenge for players.
The NYT Mini continues to remain a popular daily brain game, with many puzzle fans also enjoying other NYT Games like Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee.
The daily NYT Mini Crossword is back with another quick and fun challenge. Every day, players open the puzzle to test speed, memory, and word skills. Some clues look easy at first, but one tricky answer can stop the entire flow in seconds.
The May 22, 2026, puzzle brings a smart bird-themed challenge. Several clues connect with birds, famous sayings, sounds, and even movie references. The Mini stays small in size, but today’s puzzle feels creative and enjoyable from start to finish.
Many players enjoy solving the Mini before starting other popular The New York Times games like Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee. The short format makes it perfect for a quick morning brain workout.
Here are all the clues, answers, and simple explanations for today’s NYT Mini Crossword.
Answer: The
This clue points to the famous Alfred Hitchcock movie “The Birds.”
Answer: Crow
“Crow” means speaking proudly about success and also matches the bird theme.
Answer: Crane
A crane is a bird, and the word also means stretching the neck forward.
Answer: Hawk
“Hawk” describes someone who strongly supports war or aggressive action.
Answer: Owl
In Harry Potter, O.W.L.s are important exams for students.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for May 21, 2026: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Answer: Trawl
“Trawl” means catching fish with a large moving net.
Answer: Honk
Geese are well known for their loud honking sounds.
Answer: Ewe
“Ewe” is the correct word for a female sheep.
Answer: Craw
The phrase means something feels annoying or hard to forget.
Answer: Cho
This clue refers to comedian Margaret Cho.
Today’s Mini crossword stands out because almost every answer connects with birds in some way. Words like Crow, Crane, Hawk, and Owl build the theme clearly. Even clues like “Honk” and “Craw” continue the same pattern.
The puzzle also mixes easy clues with slightly tricky ones. “Ewe” and “Honk” feel simple, while “Craw” may slow down many players. That balance keeps the game interesting for both new and regular solvers.
The Mini crossword continues to grow in popularity because it feels fast, smart, and satisfying. Many players now solve it daily as part of a morning routine.
The NYT Mini Crossword once again delivers a fun and clever challenge with today’s bird-themed puzzle. Short clues, quick answers, and smart wordplay make the game enjoyable every single day.
Tomorrow awaits with another fresh set of clues, hidden patterns, and tricky answers. Fans of The New York Times Games can also look forward to more daily challenges through Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and other popular puzzle games that continue attracting players around the world.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for May 21, 2026