Picked up important little bird (4)

I believe the answer is:

kiwi

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'bird' is the definition.
(kiwi is a kind of bird)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for kiwi that I've seen before include "New Zealander's bird" , "Rutherford was one" , "Sacred Japanese peak" , "Hairy fruit with green flesh" , "New Zealander (informal)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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