Crossword Genius

Male bird first to flee shelter, one with grouses? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

malcontent

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

'male bird' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'first to flee shelter one with grouses?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'first' could be 'a' (first letter of the alphabet) and 'a' is found in the answer.
'shelter' could be 'tent' (canvas shelter) and 'tent' is found in the answer.
'one' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for malcontent that I've seen before include "moaner" , "disgruntled" , "Disaffected person" , "Complaining person" , "Grumbler" .)

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