Kitchen Garden Forum

I've just seen a parrot-type bird sitting in an oak tree in our garden. It's fairly small, about the size of a starling, dark grey back and wings, white front, white cheeks which seemed almost hollow, long tail, couldn't see the beak as it was quite flat against its head, thin dark grey crest, single "peep" cry. I'm assuming someone's lost it, but couldn't find out what it was. Any ideas?
---------------------
Granny

Sounds a bit like a cockatiel. Some can talk but the majority just squawk. They don't normally fly too far though so it could be one of them - it might eb worth asking around locally if anyone has lost one.

I agree with Smurfy, it does indeed sound like a cockatiel. Someone will be panicking.

Having looked at pictures, I'd agree with you, though I can't find any that are just dark grey and white. Thanks for replies. I'll ask around but I don't think there's much else I can do as it flew away - as birds do.
-----------------------
Granny

The pied variety of cockatiel is mainly grey and white, and it certainly sounds like one. One actually came into our garden last summer and sat in the tree next to mine who were out in their cage. He didn't stay though and I couldn't coax him down.

I hope his owner finds him. They are terribly difficult to catch until they are totally exhausted and starving though.