Crossword Genius

Singing birds are able to sign (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

canaries

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

'singing birds' is the definition.
'canaries' can be an answer for 'birds' (canary is a kind of bird). I'm not certain of the 'singing' bit.

'able to sign' is the wordplay.
'able' becomes 'can'.
'to sign' becomes 'Aries' (star sign).
'can'+'aries'='CANARIES'

'are' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for canaries that I've seen before include "Islands and yellowish birds" , "The birds forewarn of danger in the mines" , "The birds can arise" , "Mediterranean islands and yellow birds" , "Atlantic islands - cagebirds" .)

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