By Keir Mudie

Last updated 12:14, Tuesday, 06 May 2008

A wolf-whistling parrot is on the loose in Currock, Carlisle.

We’re missing you: Bill Johnstone with his remaining parrot Spice after his other one, Sugar, escaped

Bill Johnstone, from Millholme Avenue, bought Sugar and sister Spice to keep him company after he got divorced.

But the three-month-old African Grey flew away last month after being alarmed by a dog.

Bill – and Spice – are both desperate for her return.

Bill, 46, said: “I had always wanted parrots and after I got divorced I decided to buy Sugar and Spice. They are brilliant birds with their own personalities. Spice is really feisty but Sugar is a bit more timid.

“Both birds are babies – they are only three months old but they have already learned to wolf-whistle.

“I got them from near Liverpool and spent a lot of money getting everything just right for them. They make brilliant pets although they do take a lot of work.”

Sugar has been missing since April 17 when a passing dog frightened her.

Bill, a stock controller at Cavaghan and Gray, said: “They were both sitting on my shoulder when I was at the door of the flat. A lady was walking past with her dog and it started to bark and move towards us. Sugar was alarmed and flew away.

“All I could see was this tiny grey thing disappearing into the air. Someone texted me to say that they had heard squawking on Orchard Street but I haven’t heard anything since.

“I just hope that she is ok – I don’t think she can be dead because someone would have reported it.

“Parrots are very social birds and they start to panic when they are left on their own.

“I hope that wherever she is Sugar is ok.

“If someone was to call me and say that they had her and they were looking after her then that would be fine.

“Just as long as she is not on her own.”

Anyone who has information about the missing parrot should call 07864 940610.