Crossword Genius

Cunning cat turning to catch large bird (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

guillemot

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

'cunning cat turning to catch large' is the wordplay.
'cunning' becomes 'guile' ('guile' can be a synonym of 'cunning'**).
'cat' becomes 'tom' (a tom is a male cat).
'turning' says the letters should be written backwards.
'to catch' indicates putting letters inside.
'large' becomes 'l'.
'tom' backwards is 'mot'.
'guile'+'mot'='guilemot'
'guilemot' placed around 'l' is 'GUILLEMOT'.

(Other definitions for guillemot that I've seen before include "cliff-ledge nester" , "Diver" , "Seabird" , "An auk" , "Fisher" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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