Crossword Genius

State colour in layer (5,6,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rhode island red

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

'layer' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'state colour' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'state' could be 'rhodeisland' (Rhode Island is an example) and 'rhodeisland' is found in the answer.
'colour' could be 'red' (red is a kind of colour) and 'red' is found within the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rhode island red that I've seen before include "Fowl" , "possible victim of battery" , "Chicken breed" , "New England communist" , "American Communist" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app