What does the cryptic crossword clue "Birds gripped, stuffing is awful (9)" mean?

The definition is "Birds". The wordplay uses a container (one word inside another). HELD (synonym=""gripped"") in SUCKS (synonym=""is awful"") = SHELDUCKS; definition: "Birds" The answer is SHELDUCKS.

Birds gripped, stuffing is awful (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29239 | 4 Down | 2023-11-28 flower

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