Crossword Genius

Artist catches male bird (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rhea

'bird' is the definition.
(rhea is a kind of bird)

'artist catches male' is the wordplay.
'artist' becomes 'ra' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'catches' is an insertion indicator.
'male' becomes 'he'.
'ra' going around 'he' is 'RHEA'.

(Other definitions for rhea that I've seen before include "Greek goddess of fertility - running bird" , "Large flightless bird" , "Grounded bird" , "It can't fly" , "nonflyer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.