Reptiles capturing imaginary bird in fake islands around France? (10)

I believe the answer is:

crocodiles

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'reptiles' is the definition.
(I know this)

'capturing imaginary bird in fake islands around france?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'bird' could be 'roc' (mythological bird of prey) and 'roc' is found within the answer.
'fake' could be 'cod' (cod can mean false or inauthentic) and 'cod' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'iles' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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