Bird speaks and Curt almost freaks out (9)

I believe the answer is:

sapsucker

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

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for sapsucker that I've seen before include "woodpecker" , "Flyer" , "Dupes" , "bird" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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