Plucky but unpleasant female? (5)
I believe the answer is:
harpy
'plucky but unpleasant female?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
This is all the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for harpy that I've seen before include "Ravenous monster -- nagging woman" , "Ferocious woman" , "Filthy beast" , "Greedy woman" , "Rapacious woman-bird" .)