Crossword Genius

Distinguishing feature of bird artist captured (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trait

'distinguishing feature' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'bird artist captured' is the wordplay.
'bird' becomes 'tit' (I've seen this before**).
'artist' becomes 'ra' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'captured' indicates putting letters inside.
'tit' enclosing 'ra' is 'TRAIT'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for trait that I've seen before include "Decorative band" , "Feature of personality" , "Mannerism" , "Habit" , "Quirk" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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