Parrots, for example, sent up for bit of flight (4)

I believe the answer is:

step

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'bit of flight' is the definition.
'step' can be an answer for 'bit' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'of flight' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Foot movement" , "Tramp" , "Ladder rung; pace" , "Stride" , "Pace - part of a procedure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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