Avoids birds (5)
I believe the answer is:
ducks
This clue is a double definition.
'avoids' is the first definition.
(ducking is a kind of avoiding)
'birds' is the second definition.
(duck is a kind of bird)
(Other definitions for ducks that I've seen before include "Eg, mallards" , "Birds - term of endearment (informal)" , "dodges" , "Lowers head suddenly" , "My pet" .)