Cryptic crossword clue
Bird on heather twitching 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word RUFFLING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
U
F
F
L
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "twitching" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case twitching = ruffling.
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 RUFFLING mean?

RUFFLING verb
  1. To make a ruffle in; to curl or flute, as an edge of fabric.
  2. To disturb; especially, to cause to flutter.
  3. To grow rough, boisterous, or turbulent.
  4. To become disordered; to play loosely; to flutter.
  5. To be rough; to jar; to be in contention; hence, to put on airs; to swagger.
  6. To make into a ruff; to draw or contract into puckers, plaits, or folds; to wrinkle.
  7. To erect in a ruff, as feathers.
  8. To beat with the ruff or ruffle, as a drum.
  9. To throw together in a disorderly manner.
RUFFLING noun
  1. The action of the verb ruffle

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