Crossword Genius

Bird returning in autumn, a lot roosting (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ortolan

'bird' is the definition.
(ortolan is a kind of bird)

'returning in autumn a lot roosting' is the wordplay.
'returning' is a reversal indicator.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'nalotro' is hidden within 'autumn a lot roosting'.
'nalotro' reversed gives 'ORTOLAN'.

(Other definitions for ortolan that I've seen before include "One flying" , "Bird" , "Bobolink" , "Small songbird" , "high-flying singer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app