Crossword Genius

Birds giving distressed cries not initially heard (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

owls

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

'birds giving' is the definition.
'owls' can be an answer for 'birds' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'giving' bit.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for owls that I've seen before include "Slow sort of birds" , "Slow (anag) -- birds of prey" , "Nocturnal birds" , "Night birds" , "Avian symbols of wisdom" .)

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