Rare bird spotted in Headless Cross area of Redditch (From Redditch Advertiser)

Rare bird spotted in Headless Cross area of Redditch

3:20pm Friday 1st March 2013 in News

IF you go down to the woods today you may be in for a big surprise.

Not a bear, but a Psittacula krameri parrot, or ring-necked parakeet, has been spotted near the back of Walkwood school playing fields.

This strange visitor, or one just like it, was spotted hiding in residents’ gardens in the Headless Cross area of Redditch last year.

The rare bird is the UK's only naturalised parrot - it is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck.

It is found mainly in south-east England, particularly Surrey, Kent and Sussex, rarely anywhere else.

PARROT FACT FILE:

1. There are about 372 different parrot species.

2.Most parrots live in tropical areas.

3. Parrots have curved bills (beaks), strong legs and clawed feet.

4. All parrots are zygodactyls, meaning they have four toes on each foot, two pointing forward and two backward.

5. Parrots are often brightly coloured.

6. Parrots are believed to be one of the most intelligent bird species.

7. They are the only animals that are capable of mimicking human speech.

8. Parrots are omnivores, this means they eat both vegetables and meat.

9. Some parrot species can live for more than 80 years.

10. Parrots are monogamous, they mate for life.