Cryptic crossword clue
Large bird flapping least tries to follow 8

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
M
U
L
A
T
E
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "tries to follow" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tries to follow = emulates.
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 EMULATES mean?

EMULATES verb
  1. To attempt to equal or be the same as.
  2. To copy or imitate, especially a person.
  3. To feel a rivalry with; to be jealous of, to envy.
  4. Of a program or device: to imitate another program or device

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