Streatham African grey parrot goes missing while looking for love

Princess Parity, an African grey parrot, flew out of her home in Streatham High Road to chase a flock of parakeets, her owners believe.

It is the height of mating season and the pretty polly is believed to have gone looking for a lover when she disappeared on September 17.

Owner Stephen Kendall-Lane, 63, said: “She is quite old now and will have felt it was time to have a mate. She will have gone off chasing other birds.

“However sadly it is very unlikely she will find another African grey parrot in the area.

“She would have got disorientated, and although she will recognise our garden, she will have difficulty finding it again.”

As a result the 16-year-old bird has now been missing for more than 10 days.

Mr Kendall-Lane and his wife, actress and author, Fiona Kendall, 59, said they were “increasingly concerned” about her welfare with colder weather on the horizon.

They have plastered posters around the area offering the substantial reward to anyone who reunites them, and a number of sightings have been reported as a result.

Princess Parity has been spotted in oak trees by Tooting Bec Common, and closeby in Woodfield Avenue, but she has not stayed in the same place long enough to be caught.

The bird is described as pigeon-sized, but with a noticeably hooked beak. She has grey feathers and a crimson tail, as well as two further red feathers at the back of her neck.

She is also said to speak many words, wolf-whistle, mimic wild birds, growl when distressed, and mimic a phoneline tone to attract attention.

Anyone who has spotted Princess Parity should call Mr Kendall-Lane on 07711 105 591.

But he has warned off any prank callers.

He said: “We have already had a couple of calls saying ‘We've got your bird, bring the money and you can have her back.' But arranging a meeting at the police station soon put them off.”

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