Little aquatic birds and seals, we’re told (7)

I believe the answer is:

cygnets

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'little aquatic birds' is the definition.
'cygnets' can be an answer for 'birds' (cygnet is a kind of bird). I'm unsure of the 'little aquatic' bit.

'seals we're told' is the wordplay.
'seals' becomes 'signets' (signet can mean an official seal).
'we're told' shows a homophone (sound like).
'signets' is a homophone of 'CYGNETS'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cygnets that I've seen before include "Young swans" , "Young birds" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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