Crossword Genius

Frightening bird crossing entrance to track (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

startling

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'frightening' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for startling that I've seen before include "Remarkable" , "Producing sudden alarm" , "Causing shock" , "Jaw-dropping" , "Surprising or alarming" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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