FOR years Poppett the parrot, has entertained her family by whistling the theme tune to 60s film The Great Escape.

FOR years Poppett the parrot, has entertained her family by whistling the theme tune to 60s film The Great Escape. Now she has taken it literally and flown her cage!

Her owners are desperate to find her and have been roaming the streets near their home in Mersey Road, Ipswich, whistling the catchy ditty.

The 20-year-old African Grey parrot with a red tail was last seen on Sunday.

It was as she was being brought into the house from the aviary by owner Mark Backhouse that she was spooked by something and flew off.

Mr Backhouse said: “We taught her the tune to The Great Escape and it took her a few days before she started doing the whole thing.

“She also wolf whistles and mimics owl. She copies things off the television.

“Even though we have only had her a year, she is like a member of the family and we really miss her.

“I have been going around the streets here whistling the Great Escape tune. People must think I'm mad.

“She just got spooked by something as I was bringing her in from the aviary. We have left her cage outside in the hope that she will come back.

“Apparently if parrots get away, they are usually only three to five miles from home.”

Anyone who sees her should call Mr Backhouse on 01473 728211.

Do you have a quirky pet? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.