Crossword Genius

Colour that's visible on this duck's back (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eider

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'colour that's visible on this duck's back' is the definition.
'eider' can be an answer for 'duck's' (eider is a type of duck). I am not sure about the rest of the definition.

'on this duck's back' is the wordplay.
'on this' becomes 're' (regarding).
'duck' becomes 'die' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
're'+'die'='redie'
'redie' written backwards gives 'EIDER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eider that I've seen before include "Down's source" , "Duck with soft feathers" , "I've noted down" , "Source of fine soft down" , "Sea duck with soft down" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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