What does the cryptic crossword clue "Followed the example of having dealt poorly with bird (8)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). anagram of EMU (synonym="EMU") + DEALT (synonym="DEALT") = EMULATED The answer is EMULATED.

Followed the example of having dealt poorly with bird (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29299 | 13 Across | 2024-02-07 flower