Crossword Genius

Creature swooping near ground takes line downwards (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

owl

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'creature' is the definition.
(owl is a kind of creature)

'swooping near ground takes line downwards' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'line' could be 'l' and 'l' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ow' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for owl that I've seen before include "Predator" , "Mainly nocturnal bird" , "Traditionally wise bird" , "Lear's loved a Pussy-cat" , "Winged hooter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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