Lost parrot says his name

Basil was found a few streets away from home

A missing parrot was returned to his owners after telling officials his name was Basil.

The bright green eclectus parrot was found sitting on a garden fence by RSPCA officer Debbie Sheppard.

It had escaped from its home in Swindon and the owners reported it missing to police.

While squawking a few phrases, including "good boy" and "tickle, tickle", the four-year-old bird spoke its name and the owners were traced after police checked records for a missing parrot named Basil.

He'll copy the telephone and say 'hello' before we've had a chance to pick it up

Ann Bradley, Basil's owner

"My husband couldn't believe it when he started to talk," said Mrs Sheppard.

"He was coming out with all sorts of things. Once he started, he couldn't stop."

Basil had flown from his home just a few streets away and was reunited with his owners the Bradley family.

Ann Bradley said Basil was an excellent mimic.

"He's just like a tape recorder. He'll copy the telephone and say 'hello' before we've had a chance to pick it up. He tells my children to get ready for school."

Previously, the bird had only ever flown a few yards and his owners were concerned about him being out overnight.

"I'm sure I heard his squawk the next morning and when we got a call to say he'd been found we were absolutely delighted," said Mrs Bradley.