In Autumn, in America, mostly study bird of prey (6)

I believe the answer is:

falcon

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

'bird of prey' is the definition.
(I know that falcon is a type of hawk)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for falcon that I've seen before include "Fast bird of prey" , "Hunting bird, may be trained" , "Kestrel, for example" , "high-flyer" , "A hunting bird, may be peregine" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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