Crossword Genius

Bird’s split crest (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

partridge

'bird's' is the definition.
(partridge is a kind of bird)

'split crest' is the wordplay.
'split' becomes 'part' (synonyms).
'crest' becomes 'ridge' (I've seen this before).
'part'+'ridge'='PARTRIDGE'

(Other definitions for partridge that I've seen before include "Animal" , "1st" , "Widespread bird" , "early Christmas present" , "Flier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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