Crossword Genius

Reportedly spear seabird (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

skua

'seabird' is the definition.
(type of seabird)

'reportedly spear' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'spear' becomes 'skewer' (skewer can mean to spear or pierce).
'skewer' sounds like 'SKUA'.

(Other definitions for skua that I've seen before include "Brownish sea bird" , "Seabird; sounds like pin" , "One preying on gulls" , "Large sea bird" , "Craziness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app