Bird of colourful origin (8)
I believe the answer is:
redstart
'bird' is the definition.
(type of bird)
'colourful origin' is the wordplay.
'colourful' becomes 'red' (similar in meaning).
'origin' becomes 'start' (I've seen this in another clue).
'red'+'start'='REDSTART'
'of' is the link.
(Other definitions for redstart that I've seen before include "Bird (coloured opening!)" , "Songbird" , "One sings" , "Singer" , "Flier" .)