Predator caught fabulous bird (4)

I believe the answer is:

croc

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'predator' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'caught fabulous bird' is the wordplay.
'caught' becomes 'c' (cricket abbreviation).
'fabulous bird' becomes 'roc' (mythical or fabulous giant bird).
'c'+'roc'='CROC'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for croc that I've seen before include "Fierce reptile" , "Dangerous reptile" , "Small animal" , "Fierce beast" , "African beast; sounds like piece of pot" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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