Handler appeals for return of TV star bird after thieves take flight with prized performer Norris

His fledgling TV career was just beginning to take off, but thieves have clipped his wings.

A rare bird who appeared alongside award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn in an ITV detective series has gone missing, presumed stolen.

In a scenario which would not have been out of place in the crime thriller in which he recently performed, one-year-old African Pied Crow Norris simply vanished from the post where he was tethered outside the Dalhousie Castle Hotel in Bonnyrigg at around 11.30am on Sunday.

The bird, believed to be one of only three of the kind in Scotland, belongs to Dalhousie Falconry.

Owner and handler Kylie Mcseveney, 25, today issued an impassioned appeal for his return.

“We think someone has come and taken him away.

“When Norris gets frightened, he will just stand in one place, so the chances of him flying off miles away are unlikely.

“The hawks would have got to him if he had flown off.

“The chances of him being stolen are more feasible than him going off on his own.

“Or maybe someone has thought he was a magpie and said to themselves, ‘what a shame, look at the magpie tethered up’ and released him.”

Norris has very special dietary requirements and will not survive for long outside as other birds will attack him.

Earlier this year, he shared screentime with Blenda Blethyn, below left, in the detective series Vera.

To prepare for his role as a crow, talented Norris was painted black from beak to foot and under instruction from trainers he sat on a dead body lying in a quarry before being frightened off by construction workers. It was hoped that with the help of animal talent agencies he was set to land more roles.

African Pied Crows, which fetch between £550 and £700, resemble magpies but have shorter tails.

They have a white patch on their chest and a white band around their neck, and are the size of an average British crow.

“If a stranger came and picked him up he would have jumped into their hand quite happily, he’s very friendly,” said Kylie.

“I’ve had him since he was 12 days old and I hand reared him.

“He’s definitely a pet – he will only drink out of his pink cup and bathes under a tap as he won’t get in the bath.

“I’m hoping if I make enough noise I might get him back.

“Someone might spot him in their back garden.”

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “Police can confirm that a report was received on Sunday, December 4 regarding a missing African Pied Crow from the Dalhousie Castle Falconry.

“The bird is described as black with a white chest and a missing rear talon. It also had a blue Kingfisher ring on one of its legs.”

Anyone who finds the bird should contact the SSPCA, the police or Kylie on 07747 802413.