Alas, they're gutted to admit our neighbour is for the birds (4)

I believe the answer is:

auks

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'birds' is the definition.
(auk is a kind of bird)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for auks that I've seen before include "Northern black and white diving birds" , "Birds (such as razorbills)" , "Sticky diving seabirds" , "Stocky diving birds" , "Fliers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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