Crossword Genius

Sailor's behind a small bird (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

astern

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

'sailor's behind' is the definition.
'astern' can be an answer for 'behind' (at the back or behind of a ship). I'm not certain of the 'sailor's' bit.

'a small bird' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'bird' becomes 'tern' (tern is a kind of bird).
'a'+'s'+'tern'='ASTERN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for astern that I've seen before include "Towards the rear of boat" , "Nautically behind" , "Ran set (anag.)" , "Towards the rear of a ship" , "Towards back of boat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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