The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word MACAW
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
A
C
A
W
More clues leading to the result MACAW
- Parrot of old lady put with cashew when she is absent
- Parrot’s bill stuck in mouth
- Flapper in raincoat that’s adorable
- Colourful bird originally making a harsh cry
- Parrot originally making a sound like a crow
- Party mostly backed article with colourful flyer
- Bird initially makes a sound like a crow
- Parrot beginning to make a harsh cry
- Parrot about to fill stomach
- Parrot beginning to make a sound like a crow
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Colourful bird" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case colourful bird = macaw.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 MACAW mean?
MACAW noun- Any of various parrots of the genera Ara, Anodorhynchus, Cyanopsitta, Orthopsittaca, Primolius and Diopsittaca of Central and South America, including the largest parrots and characterized by long sabre-shaped tails, curved powerful bills, and usually brilliant plumage.