Crossword Genius

Proposal overcame initially reluctant girl (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bird

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

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bird that I've seen before include "Creature - time in prison" , "Feathered animal" , "Booby, for example" , "Fowl" , "Feathered creature" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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