Crossword Genius

Ring old English bird (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hoopoe

'bird' is the definition.
(hoopoe is a kind of bird)

'ring old english' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'hoop' (synonyms).
'old english' becomes 'OE'.
'hoop'+'oe'='HOOPOE'

(Other definitions for hoopoe that I've seen before include "Crested bird, pink with black and white wings" , "occasional visitor here" , "Bird with curved bill" , "Pink Eurasian bird with black and white wings and tail" , "Flier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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