What does the cryptic crossword clue "Bird takes gherkins, if desperate (10)" mean?

The definition is "Bird". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of GHERKINS, + IF = KINGFISHER; definition: "Bird" The answer is KINGFISHER.

Bird takes gherkins, if desperate (10)

Guardian Cryptic #29363 | 5 Down | 2024-04-22 flower