The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word REDPOLL
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
R
E
D
P
O
L
L
More clues leading to the result REDPOLL
- Flyer in a communist election
- Songbird reportedly studied perch
- Bird tucking head under left wing
- Bird’s looking angry with ballot
- One that flies from socialist vote
- Winger in communist vote
- Labour election flyer?
- Flyer, output of Gallup, has Republican in front
- Flyer regularly held up in wind
- Flying combination of cardinal and count
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "One that flies" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one that flies = redpoll.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 REDPOLL mean?
REDPOLL noun- Any of various finches in the genus Acanthis (syn. Carduelis), which have characteristic red markings on their heads.
- A redhead.