Macaw parrot captured in Somerset after two months of sightings

Sightings of the bird were reported in Sherborne in Dorset and Hinkley Point, Portishead and Stogumber in Somerset

A rare parrot sighted across the West Country over the past two months has been captured by a team of villagers in Somerset.

The endangered scarlet macaw, thought to be worth £1,500, was caught in Shurton and taken to a zoo in Watchet.

Sightings of the bird were reported in Sherborne in Dorset and Hinkley Point, Portishead and Stogumber in Somerset.

Chris Moiser, from Tropiquaria Zoo, said they have had an offer of a home if the bird is unclaimed.

Scarlet macaws are an endangered species which are normally required by Defra to be either ringed or micro-chipped.

But according to Mr Moiser the bird had neither and, as a result, cannot be bought, sold, or exhibited to the public.

"It was decided if the group from the village caught the bird they would bring it to Tropiquaria because of the difficulties of housing such a large parrot," he said.

•The scarlet macaw can measure 83cms (33in) from beak to tail

•It can be found in regions including southern Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, eastern Brazil and the island of Trinidad

•The bird's strong beak is adapted to breaking hard nuts found in the rainforest

•The primary threats to the species include habitat loss and heavy exploitation for pet trading

"Although we are pleased to be playing host to such a beautiful bird it does mean that we cannot put it on show."

Spotted across large parts of Dorset and Somerset, Mr Mosier said the eye-catching, noisy bird appears to have covered an "unlikely" distance in the past two months.

"Although we have only sightings of one, it did seem to cover a distance of 50 miles in one day which, whilst possible, is unlikely," he said.

"So we also have the possibility that there may be more out there."