Search for ‘delinquent’ parrot that escaped home

A PARROT that ‘terrorised’ its owners has escaped, sparking a search operation for the ‘delinquent’ bird.

Special, an African Grey, flew out of the back door of owner David Campbell’s Corstorphine home three weeks ago, after the bird’s cage was opened.

Mr Campbell, 63, said he was inconsolable, adding: “I have a great bond with him and I am still looking for him – he was the love of my life.

“I really miss him and I’m just trying to hold myself together.”

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Special - a vocal parrot known for asking ‘Where’s my breakfast’ and greeting his owner with ‘Hello David’ - had a tendency to attack Mr Campbell’s two adult sons when they came to visit, and drew blood when he bit his owner prior to his disappearance.

Mr Campbell explained: “He was a rogue from day one. He would also bite and terrorise the whole house and anyone else who came into the house.

“He bit me three times the week before he left. He was very much a delinquent but he had a lot of character.”

Mr Campbell, who works as a chauffeur, has advertised a £500 reward for the safe return of Special, and a number of posters have been attached to lampposts in the surrounding area.

There have been a number of sightings since Special’s disappearance but it is thought these may just be pigeons, which have a similar grey plumage.

However, Special stands a strong chance of survival, according to Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn of the Scottish SPCA, who said: “As long as the parrot has access to shelter, the cold weather alone is not his biggest threat.

“The greatest risk will be wild birds which may attack him or a lack of food.

“Locals can leave food out for this parrot to help him through the winter and if he is spotted perched in a tree it may be possible to coax him down with some fruit or veg.”

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