What does the cryptic crossword clue "Seconds before bird's sudden dash (5)" mean?

The definition is "sudden dash". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). S (synonym of "Seconds") + COOT (synonym of "bird's"); definition: "sudden dash" The answer is SCOOT.

Seconds before bird's sudden dash (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29125 | 23 Down | 2023-07-18 flower

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