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Small wading bird (4)

Ross

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4

8
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This clue could be a double definition.

'small' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'wading bird' is the second definition.
(knot is a kind of wading bird)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for knot that I've seen before include "Fastening; sea bird" , "Measure of speed on water" , "Tie; a cluster" , "measure of pace" , "Air mile" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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