Family distraught as Monty flies off

The disappearance of African Grey parrot Monty has devastated his young schoolboy owners after flying out of their Kingswinford home.

The pet flew out of an open door on Sunday afternoon and has not been seen since.

His owners, who live in Rowan Rise, are now offering a reward for his safe return.

Marie Taylor says her two young sons – Jordan, aged seven, and five-year-old Aaron – are desperate to see their pet again. "He has never left the house before," she said. "He normally stays inside but on Sunday we were mowing the lawn and the door was open.

"He just flew out and headed off in the direction of Pensnett."

Monty was bought by the family as a baby around two years ago to keep their other parrot, Mac, company.

Miss Taylor added: "Mac is quite lonely without him – we bought them to keep each other company so it is a shame for them to be apart."

The family had been hoping to track the bird down but when he had not turned up by Monday, contacted The Express & Star. "We are prepared to offer a reward for his safe return," said Miss Taylor.

"The birds cost around £700 to buy but it is not about the money. We just want to parrot back.

"The boys were okay on Sunday because I think they hoped he would just fly back in.

"But we have looked everywhere and he has not been seen. They are really upset now and just want their parrot back."

African Grey parrots are popular pets because of their placid nature and ability to talk, whistle and sing.

The species has been kept as pets for around 4,000 years with Egyptian people the first known to keep the birds. They are depicted in many Egyptian drawings.

Through the ages, the birds were admired for their intelligence and both the Greeks and the Romans were known to keep them in ornate cages.

King Henry VIII was also a fan of the friendly birds and kept one as a pet himself.

They are expensive animals with one bird alone costing more than £700.

Anyone who spots the bird should contact Miss Taylor on 07791015468.