Diminutive hooters (6)

I believe the answer is:

owlets

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'diminutive hooters' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for owlets that I've seen before include "Young wise birds" , "Baby wise old birds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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