Crossword Genius

Mother initially getting type of food for bird (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

magpie

'for bird' is the definition.
(magpie is a kind of bird)

'mother initially getting type of food' is the wordplay.
'mother' becomes 'ma' (Ma is another word for mother or mum).
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
'type of food' becomes 'pie' ().
The initial letter of 'getting' is 'g'.
'ma'+'g'+'pie'='MAGPIE'

(Other definitions for magpie that I've seen before include "1 [UNLUCKY FOR SOME]" , "One on target" , "Black-and-white crow" , "'One is for sorrow, two for joy (6)'" , "Ominous bird if seen alone" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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