Crossword Genius

On which a caged bird would long to be? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pine

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'be?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pine that I've seen before include "Long - timber" , "type of wood" , "A tree to grieve for" , "Mope; tree" , "Conifer grown for wood" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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