Wolf-whistling parrot missing

BELOVED BIRD: His owners fear that Minty, formerly an Opua playboy, is now cold and alone in the bush. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Gone to get himself a bird? Making a late break for the Boobs on Bikes parade down Queen St? - Minty the wolf-whistling parrot is missing from his Opua home and his owner says it is awfully quiet around the house without his sexy whistles, dog-like barks and friendly "hellos".

"He is quite a character. He's a bit like a dog in parrot form and he marches around the house," said owner Pip Turner. "He loves to steal anything we have and loves following us around the house."

The barrabund parrot, a breed known commonly as a superb parrot, went missing from his Arabella Rd home on Wednesday while outside catching the sun.

"He's quite young so he doesn't normally fly," said Ms Turner, who had spent hours combing the bush for her green parrot, as well as asking neighbours about him. When the Northern Advocate caught up with her yesterday afternoon she was in the bush searching for her beloved bird.

Ms Turner's partner taught Minty to wolf-whistle, though he exercised restraint with his talent and was careful never to cause offence, she said.

"He was actually pretty easy to train, and he picks up new words really quickly."

Ms Turner said she suspected he would approach strangers and hoped someone who had seen the parrot would come forward.

Minty would be missing his favourite meal of peas and toast, his owner said.

"At home he's very friendly and by now he'll be tired and hungry and he's hand reared. By now he'd probably go to pretty much anyone ... We really are quite worried about him."

Anyone with information on Minty's whereabouts should email pip.turner83@gmail.com or call 027 648 9953. Ms Turner said she would offer a reward for the bird's return, or for a tip that led to his return.