Parakeet flies into a Manchester school playground - and lands on teacher's head!

The RSPCA is searching for its owner.

Pete the Parakeet
Published 5th Apr 2017
Last updated 5th Apr 2017

The RSPCA is searching for the owner of a stray parakeet who flew into a primary school playground in Manchester and landed on a teacher's head.

A staff member at Rackhouse Primary School contacted the charity after the maroon-bellied bird flew into the playground last Wednesday (29th March).

RSPCA animal collection officer, Lauren Bradshaw, went along to the school on Yarmouth Drive, to collect the bird.

She said: “The teacher must have had quite the surprise when the colourful little bird decided to perch on their head!

“And I’m sure the children found it very amusing!

“This parakeet - who I nicknamed Pete - is very tame and likes to fly over to you and sit on your shoulder so I expect he or she is a pet who has escaped.

Pete the Parakeet

“I’d really like to find the owner so if anyone recognises the bird or thinks they may know where it has come from then I’d urge them to get in touch by calling our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

There is a large population of parakeets in Manchester, but due to the species of bird and its tameness with people, the RSPCA believes this bird could be a lost pet.

“Unfortunately, there was no microchip or identification ring so we may not be able to track down an owner,” ACO Bradshaw added.

“The bird is quite distinctive as one of the nails is missing from a foot, which looks like an old injury."