Tree the insect started chirping on (5)

I believe the answer is:

beech

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

'tree' is the definition.
(beech is a kind of tree)

'the insect started chirping on' is the wordplay.
'the insect' becomes 'bee' (bee is a kind of insect).
'started' suggests taking the first letters.
'on' becomes 'h' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
The first letter of 'chirping' is 'c'.
'bee'+'c'+'h'='BEECH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beech that I've seen before include "Nut-bearing tree" , "Timber tree" , "Common forest tree" , "Type of tree" , "Tree variety" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.