Little aquatic birds and seals, we’re told (7)
I believe the answer is:
cygnets
'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" .)