Crossword Genius

About five hundred birds in large groups (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crowds

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

'large groups' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both groups as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'about five hundred birds' is the wordplay.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'five hundred' becomes 'D' (Roman numeral).
'birds' becomes 'crows' (crow is a kind of bird).
'd' going within 'crows' is 'CROWDS'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crowds that I've seen before include "Hosts" , "Swarms" , "huge turnout?" , "Presses" , "Large gatherings of people" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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