The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word TOUCAN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
O
U
C
A
N
More clues leading to the result TOUCAN
- Almost come into contact with an arboreal dweller
- Tropical bird also picked up tin
- . South American nativeās mostly feeling affection on vacation
- Couple told to sack one presenting large bill
- Couple noisily joining jailbird
- Withdrawing cents from account recklessly, one has a hefty bill
- Bird out at sea ahead of vessel
- Nearly fondle a northern bird
- Dreadful cut on a bird with beautiful plumage
- Cuckoo out to preserve bird
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "arboreal dweller" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case arboreal dweller = toucan.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TOUCAN mean?
TOUCAN noun- Any of various neotropical frugivorous birds from the family Ramphastidae, with a large colorful beak.