Regret the flier doesn't have a head start (5)
I believe the answer is:
egret
'head start' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'regret the flier doesn't have a' is the wordplay.
'EGRET' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for egret that I've seen before include "young bird" , "Bird eating fish" , "Greet (anag) -- wading bird" , "White wading-bird" , "Type of forty eight Ac" .)