They eat at their own table in the garden (5)
I believe the answer is:
birds
'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for birds that I've seen before include "Egg-laying vertebrates" , "Things may be strictly for them!" , "... strictly receivers of rubbish" , "Terns and tits, say" , "Feathered fliers" .)