Bird providing the rations on manoeuvres, etc? (9)

I believe the answer is:

fieldfare

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

'manoeuvres etc?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'bird providing the rations on' is the wordplay.
'bird providing' becomes 'field' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'the rations' becomes 'fare'.
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'field'+'fare'='FIELDFARE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fieldfare that I've seen before include "Speckled bird" , "Deaf flier (anag) - migratory thrush" , "Flighty singer" , "Migratory thrush -- FA ref lied (anag)" .)

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.