Crossword Genius

Hooligans heard shorebirds (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruffs

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'shorebirds' is the definition.
(ruff is a kind of shorebird)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ruffs that I've seen before include "Elizabethan collars" , "More than one frill" , "changes suit for one's benefit" , "Neck frills" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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