The term 'small, short-tailed bird' can be summarized by the crossword solution of 'Nuthatch, ' which is an 8-letter word. Nuthatches are small birds that belong to the family Sittidae and are found in Eurasia, Africa, and North America. They have short tails and are known for their ability to climb up and down trees headfirst. They feed on insects, nuts, and seeds, and they nest in tree cavities.