Crossword Genius

Catcher of worms, as the dodo was? (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

early bird

'catcher of worms' is the definition.
(the early bird catches the worm)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for early bird that I've seen before include "arriving in good time?" , "one in good time for breakfast" , "Archaeopteryx, say" , "communications satellite!" , "Worm catcher?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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