Rung #50 hints and answer

July 19, 2026. Here is the full clue ladder for this puzzle, gentlest first. Each rung is worth fewer points, so open only what you need. The answer stays hidden until you click.

Hint 1, worth 5 points

For something that flies, my tongue is so long it loops right around inside my own skull.

Hint 2, worth 4 points

Two of my toes point forward and two point back, so I can climb straight up a tree.

Hint 3, worth 3 points

Stiff tail feathers prop me up as I chip at bark, digging out bugs most beaks can't reach.

Hint 4, worth 2 points

My fast hammering on a hollow tree is my song, and a cartoon gave me a wild laugh.

Hint 5, worth 1 point

Hear my rat-a-tat high in the trees: a small red-capped bird hard at work on a dead pine.

Extra hint, the shape of the answer

10 letters, starts with “W”.

Reveal the answer to Rung #50

WOODPECKER

A woodpecker can strike its beak against a tree around 20 times a second, fast enough to blur, and drums thousands of times a day.

Play today's Rung →