Crossword Genius

Seed around small bird's shelter (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

roost

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'bird's shelter' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'seed around small' is the wordplay.
'seed' becomes 'root' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'root' placed around 's' is 'ROOST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for roost that I've seen before include "Bats' settling place" , "Torso (anag)" , "Glowing with joy" , "Hen's resting place" , "Night spot for birds/bats" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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