PREVIEW

The RSPCA is trying to reunite a singing parrot with his owner after he was found straying in a street in Greater Manchester.

The chatty male cockatiel charmed the animal charity’s rescuers when he broke into song as he was being moved from private boarding accommodation to stay with one of the charity’s foster carers.

She has named him Peek-a-boo as the phrase is among his impressive vocabulary, which also includes his favourite tune, “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”, which he regales and rounds off with a loud peck on his perch, especially if he gets a clap of encouragement!

The larger-than-life bird was found uninjured near to a bench on a road in the Kearsley area of Bolton on November 14 by a member of the public, who contacted the RSPCA for help. The charity says Peek-a-boo’s charming character suggests he has come from a loving home where a lot of time has been spent on him, and they are eager to return him to his owner.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Helen Chapman said: “Peek-a-boo is extremely tame and is a delightful character who has been well looked after and loved by someone, who must have spent a lot of time on him.

“He sings "if you're happy and you know it” and waits for you to clap, as well as a few other songs and phrases.

“Once he settled in with one of our regular foster carers, he was singing happily. His voice sounds like he is mimicking an older woman. It is such a shame that he is in this situation and if he has escaped accidentally then whoever owns him will surely be heartbroken that he is missing.”

Cockatiels can prove to be very vocal and are known for mimicking repetitive sounds and noises. It’s more common for male cockatiels to speak than females, and they can be adept at mimicking and singing.

Peek-a-boo’s foster carer, from Stockport, says the tuneful bird brightened up her family’s Christmas and she is hoping his owner can be found.

She said: “Peek-a-boo is such a happy bird. I keep my own parrot and two budgies in the same room he is living in and I’m surprised that my parrot hasn’t started copying him.

“As well as singing, he chirrups ‘Hello’ and ‘Good boy’ and he bangs on his bar as he does, he is so funny.”

Peek-a-boo may have escaped his cage before he was found loose in the street. He has been ringed, but the information provided on it has not been sufficient to lead a path to his owner.