New calf performing like a bird (6)
I believe the answer is:
falcon
'bird' is the definition.
(I know that falcon is a type of bird of prey)
'new calf performing' is the wordplay.
'new' indicates anagramming the letters.
'performing' becomes 'on' (as in being on stage).
'calf' with letters rearranged gives 'falc'.
'falc'+'on'='FALCON'
'like a' is the link.
(Other definitions for falcon that I've seen before include "Long-winged hawk" , "Hunter winged" , "that's seen flying" , "A hunting bird, may be peregine" , "Hunting bird, may be trained" .)