Pesky parrot causing 'havoc' to cars in Scotland

A pesky parrot is being blamed for causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage to cars in Scotland.

The bird - a type of parrot called a parakeet - has been seen flying around Lochardil, Inverness, since February.

But local residents say they regularly see it pecking at window seals and windscreen wipers.

"Parakeet is not a good word round here in Inverness," said local resident Cathleen MacKinnon. "This little chap causes havoc on the cars around here."

She told BBC Radio Scotland's Out of Doors: "I have never seen the bird - I have just seen the damage it causes."

Some of her neighbours are covering their cars in tough plastic sheets, called tarpaulin, to protect them from the bird, which is thought to be an escaped pet.

Another resident, Chrissanne Robertson, said the bird was spotted in their street earlier this year and had been seen perched on her front door handle.

"And of course, we all thought it looked lovely, until we saw the damage it was doing to the cars," she added.

She estimates that the bird has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage during its time on the street.

"Sometimes it leaves, it can be away for a couple of weeks, and we think, 'oh we won't see it again', but then somebody will go out the next day and you'll here a shout of 'he's back again!'."

NatureScot said it was not known why the parrots were nibbling the windscreen wipers.

A spokesperson said: "Wildlife experts have put forward three main theories for this destructive behaviour: they are defending their territory against their own reflection, they crave certain fats or minerals in the rubber, or they are simply exploring and playing out of boredom."

If birds are damaging your car, there are ways to protect it.

NatureScot recommends covering the car and windscreen with tarpaulin and folding the wiper arms back.

So if you live in Inverness or find yourself in the area, keep your eyes peeled!