They have beaks (or hooters?) (4)

I believe the answer is:

owls

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'hooters?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for owls that I've seen before include "Slow (anag) -- birds of prey" , "Nocturnal hooters?" , "Slow sort of birds" , "Nocturnal birds" , "Avian symbols of wisdom" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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