RSPCA confirm parrot spotted around University of Sunderland is doing well in the wild

The parrot has been spotted numerous times since.
Photo: RSPCA Sunderland Hartlepool and South Tyneside — The parrot has been spotted numerous times since. Photo: RSPCA Sunderland Hartlepool and South Tyneside

At around 11.20am on Thursday, October 31, Prof. Peter Rushton, a sociology professor at the University of Sunderland spotted a blue-grey parrot in the churchyard of St Peter's and the University car park.

Peter managed to capture the creature on his camera and sent it to the Echo.

Wildlife organisations looked at the photos and confirmed that the parrot is a parakeet

The parrot balanced on one leg.
Photo: Prof. Peter Rushton — The parrot balanced on one leg. Photo: Prof. Peter Rushton

A spokesperson for Durham Wildlife Trust said: “This bird could be an escaped pet or part of the naturalised population that began breeding in the wild after birds escaped from captivity.”

Since then, the parrot – who still hasn’t been named – has been spotted around the University of Sunderland St Peter’s campus numerous times.

It was recently reported to the RSPCA as a possible lost pet when it was spotted on Tuesday, November 19 around the car park between the university buildings and the National Glass Centre.

According to the RSPCA, it has stayed mostly outside of the David Goldman Informatics Centre and appears to be continuing to eat from the trees.

More could be spotted in the city.
Photo: Prof. Peter Rushton — More could be spotted in the city. Photo: Prof. Peter Rushton

Evie Button, RSPCA Scientific Officer in Exotics and Wildlife Trade said: “The bird appears to be a ring-necked parakeet which is what’s referred to as a ‘naturalised’ bird, meaning that they have been successfully introduced to a country outside of their natural range.

“However this species, particularly the blue morph, is also often kept as a pet so we can’t say for sure whether this bird is an escaped pet or whether they are in fact a wild bird living in the area.

“There are populations in the South but we understand birds have been seen elsewhere in the country.

“From the images the bird appears to be feeding which would suggest that the bird is able to survive in the wild.”

While wildlife experts have confirmed that the parrot is coping well in the wild, there is still a chance that it could be someones pet. If you have any information, contact the RSPCA at the Sunderland branch or call 0191 250 7148 or email [email protected]