Reputedly wise light sleeper (3)

I believe the answer is:

owl

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'reputedly wise light sleeper' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

This is all the clue.

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(Other definitions for owl that I've seen before include "Someone solemn or wise or staying up at night" , "Nightbird" , "Winged hooter" , "One flying" , "Lear's loved a Pussy-cat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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