Crossword Genius

Near to women; left nocturnal bird (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

night owl

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

'nocturnal bird' is the definition.
'night owl' can be an answer for 'bird' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'nocturnal' bit.

'near to women left' is the wordplay.
'near' becomes 'nigh' (similar in meaning).
'women' becomes 'w'.
'left' becomes 'L' (common abbreviation).
'nigh'+'to'+'w'+'l'='NIGHT-OWL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for night owl that I've seen before include "Person active in the small hours" , "One working late" , "One active after dark" , "Person who likes to be active late in the day" , "Late sleeper" .)

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