Crossword Genius

Little bird soldier kept in Cornish resort (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

budgie

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

'little bird' is the definition.
'budgie' can be an answer for 'bird' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'little' bit.

'soldier kept in cornish resort' is the wordplay.
'soldier' becomes 'GI' (GI can mean a US soldier).
'kept in' indicates putting letters inside.
'cornish resort' becomes 'bude' (I've seen this before).
'gi' going into 'bude' is 'BUDGIE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for budgie that I've seen before include "Common Australian cage-bird" , "Pet bird (abbr)" , "Cage-bird from Australia, in brief" , "Abbreviated Australian cage-bird" , "Pet cage-bird from Australia" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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