Small sandpiper (5)
I believe the answer is:
stint
'small sandpiper' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for stint that I've seen before include "Allotted period (of work)" , "Be sparing; sandpiper" , "Limitation of effort" , "one's allotted task" , "Stretch of work" .)