Colourful bird initially making a harsh cry (5)

I believe the answer is:

macaw

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

'colourful bird' is the definition.
'macaw' can be an answer for 'bird' (type of parrot). I am not certain of the 'colourful' bit.

'initially making a harsh cry' is the wordplay.
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'harsh cry' becomes 'caw' (I've seen this in another clue).
The first letter of 'making' is 'm'.
'm'+'a'+'caw'='MACAW'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for macaw that I've seen before include "colourful flyer" , "Large colourful parrot" , "Large and showy Latin American parrot" , "New World parrot" , "brilliant winger" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app