Cryptic crossword clue
One needs one tropical bird 3

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word ANI

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
N
I

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The straight part
We know that "tropical bird" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tropical bird = ani.
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 ANI mean?

ANI noun
  1. A bird of the genus Crotophaga in the cuckoo family.
ANI noun
  1. The lower orifice of the alimentary canal, through which feces and flatus are ejected.

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