Crossword Genius

It's a funny thing, what some birds do (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hoot

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

'some birds do' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'it's a funny thing' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'hoo' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'what' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hoot that I've seen before include "Bird call; funny thing" , "Warning sound - something not given by the careless!" , "Screech" , "Shout of derision" , "Honk - laugh" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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