Crossword Genius

An encouraging bird? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dodo

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

This could be a double definition.

'an encouraging' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'bird?' is the second definition.
(dodo is a kind of bird)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dodo that I've seen before include "Flightless bird, extinct since the 17th century" , "Old bird" , "Square" , "Large extinct bird" , "Idiot" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.