Crossword Genius

Flighty article on the United Kingdom (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

auk

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'flighty article on the united kingdom' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'article on the united kingdom' is the wordplay.
'article' becomes 'a' (indefinite article).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the united kingdom' becomes 'uk' ('UK' can be a synonym of 'united kingdom').
'a'+'uk'='AUK'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for auk that I've seen before include "Black/white northern diver" , "Northern seabird with small narrow wings" , "Northern sea bird with short narrow wings" , "Black-and-white diving bird of northern seas" , "One that flies" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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