Crossword Genius

Harsh name for a bird (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bittern

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

This might be a double definition.

'harsh name' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'bird' is the second definition.
(bittern is a kind of bird)

'for a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bittern that I've seen before include "'He shall not hear the . . . cry' (Ledwidge)" , "Source of boom" , "flier" , "Marsh bird of the heron family" , "Marshland bird" .)

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