Parrot in peril: Spooked Sita flies out, distressed family announces reward

Hyderabad: Sita is missing. Last seen four days ago — just before she took flight abruptly. For Pillutla Ranjith Kumar and family, it’s as if light has gone out of their daily life since their beloved African grey parrot flew out of their home in Teacher’s Colony in Huzurnagar on August 30.
The family has been at sixes and sevens since Sita left. They have kept a hawk eye on every tree nearby, but are yet to spot their feathered friend perched anywhere.
Desperate to get her back, a reward is also on offer for anyone who finds their pet.
“It would never fly away. She always hovered around me and then I would bring her back inside the house where she would continue to be free. There was never a moment when we thought Sita would fly away from us. We are crestfallen,” Ranjith said.
But a loud noise after something fell in the house apparently spooked the parrot, which was off like a shot, not to be seen again.
Ranjith said that his wife and two sons doted on her since she became part of their home about four years ago.
“Sita would talk, imitate and hold a conversation. She even called my son by his pet name ‘Babboo’. When hungry, she would ask for food. When in a playful mood she would sing and even mimic mobile ringtone,” he said.
The house is now silent.
It was on a visit to Bengaluru that the 39-year-old Ranjith, a typist in the irrigation department, bought the African grey parrot, which is common in Africa but considered an exotic bird in India and kept as per specific rule. Since its birth, a metal ring with ‘yoga 203’ etched on it has been tied on its leg. Ranjith was also given a DNA certificate by the farm. The family has sounded out locals and social media. But there is no sight of Sita, yet.