Parrot seeks pretty polly to share perch

HE is a pretty boy with a way with words who needs to find a love bird to make his life complete - shame his name is Holly.But after 25 years as a singleton, Holly the parrot is finally hoping to share his perch with a female companion.

HE is a pretty boy with a way with words who needs to find a love bird to make his life complete - shame his name is Holly.

But after 25 years as a singleton, Holly the parrot is finally hoping to share his perch with a female companion.

Belton bird lover Charles Bryanton is putting out a lonely heart appeal in a bid to find a partner for Holly.

Mr Bryanton owns Holly and another African Grey eight year old Lilly, but only discovered that both birds were male after DNA tests were carried out on their feathers.

He said: “Holly is a very friendly, good natured bird and would make a great companion. He knows around 140 words so perhaps will have some good chat up lines.

“Parrots mate for life and I am hoping to find a female to pair up and breed with either Holly or Lilly. They need a lot of attention and are definitely happier with a partner so I am hoping that romance will blossom.”

The former wrought iron business owner, 67, keeps the parrots at his home in Heather Gardens.

Any courting ritual will involve gradually moving the birds closer together and having an opening between the cages to see if they bond.

Mr Bryanton, who is married to Aida, is planning to place an advertisement to help Holly find a mate.

“I suppose it is unusual putting in a lonely hearts notice for parrots, but it would be wonderful to be a matchmaker for them.”

African Greys can live between 80 and 120 year, with females breeding between the ages of four and 20.