Crossword Genius

Speckled bird does imitations of famous fish? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starling

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

'speckled bird does imitations' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'famous fish?' is the wordplay.
'famous' becomes 'star' (as in an all-star cast).
'fish?' becomes 'ling' (ling is a kind of fish).
'star'+'ling'='STARLING'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for starling that I've seen before include "List Gran awkwardly for the bird" , "goes around the pier" , "Gregarious bird" , "is naturally a good mimic" , "The bird is a good mimic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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