What the smarter birds do a lot? (5)
I believe the answer is:
preen
'lot?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot understand how one could define the other.
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for preen that I've seen before include "Tidy/clean (feathers)" , "Congratulate (oneself); attend to dress" , "Maintain" , "(Of a bird) tidy and clean feathers" , "demonstrate pride" .)