Crossword Genius

Warder released female bird (3-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bee-eater

'bird' is the definition.
(bee eater is a kind of bird)

'warder released female' is the wordplay.
'warder' becomes 'beefeater' (Beefeater can informally mean a Yeomen Warder).
'released' suggests deleting specific letters (deleted letters are released or sent out).
'female' becomes 'f' (common abbreviation).
'beefeater' with 'f' taken away is 'BEE-EATER'.

(Other definitions for bee-eater that I've seen before include "Insectivorous bird" , "Insect-consuming bird" , "Bright bird" , "Bright avian insectivore" .)

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