Issue #701 Mon 2 Feb
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — February 2, 2026
A quiet Sunday morning calls for a steady hand and a clear head. We have put together a grid that rewards patience and a bit of focus.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The shadow cast across the plains that makes you look up twice.
Zoology and natural history
LARGE FLIGHTLESS AVIAN SPECIES
Spangram 4 hints · 8 letters
The connector word
A compound noun written as a single word.
8 letters.
Starts with B, ends with S.
BIGBIRDS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (9 letters)
- 2 C (6 letters)
- 3 O (7 letters)
- 4 P (7 letters)
- 5 P (7 letters)
- 6 R (4 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CA (9 letters)
- 2 CO (6 letters)
- 3 OS (7 letters)
- 4 PE (7 letters)
- 5 PE (7 letters)
- 6 RH (4 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
This rainforest dweller is known for its helmet-like casque and powerful, dangerous legs.
9 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CASSOWARY
Theme word 2 of 6 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A scavenger of the high peaks, circling silently above the Andes.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
CONDOR
Theme word 3 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
The world's heaviest runner, famous for burying its head in the sand—or so the myth goes.
7 letters.
Starts with O.
Starts with OS.
OSTRICH
Theme word 4 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Watch this coastal fisher scoop up a meal with that expandable throat pouch.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PELICAN
Theme word 5 of 6 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
Dressed for a formal event in black and white, these waddlers prefer the ice to the sky.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PE.
PENGUIN
Theme word 6 of 6 5 hints · 4 letters
A theme word
A long-legged runner of the South American pampas, closely related to the Australian variety.
4 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RH.
RHEA
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- CASSOWARY
- CONDOR
- OSTRICH
- PELICAN
- PENGUIN
- RHEA
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on February 2, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for February 2, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on February 2, 2026?
NYT Strands on February 2, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 6 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the February 2, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 8 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "B" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on February 2, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 6 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 8-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 6 theme words · 8-letter spangram