Missing parrot talks his way home

Largo is an African Grey parrot, like this one

A talking parrot missing for almost a week was returned to its owner after chatting to a passer-by.

Largo, an African Grey, vanished when he flew out of his owner's home in Dunbar last Thursday.

But the five-year-old bird, who whistles the theme to Coronation Street, was discovered when he said "hello" to a man out walking his dog.

Jim Brunton, 70, said he had heard about Largo's escape and returned him to his owner.

Mr Brunton, a pigeon fancier with more than 40 years experience of handling birds, said the parrot was sat in long grass "chatting away".

He said: "I knew about the missing parrot and carried it back to its home.

"The owner was over the moon to see it."

'Quite intelligent'

African Greys are indigenous to the rainforests of West and Central Africa and known for their intelligence.

Largo was being cared for by Norman Cunningham, manager at Letha Garden Sheltered Housing, while his owner was away from home.

Mr Cunningham said he was worried the bird would not survive the wet and windy weather.

He said: "Largo tried to fly onto my shoulder but missed, panicked and went out the door.

"He panicked again and flew away. Largo is quite intelligent so I hoped he would shelter up a tree.

"But I did think - 'if we don't get him back soon then that's it'."