Foul-mouthed parrot is ordered ashore by Navy

By Stewart Payne, http://www.telegraph.co.uk

A Royal Navy parrot with a reputation for embarrassing top brass with her salty language has been ordered ashore.

But it was not Sunny's swearing that led to her being taken off the frigate Lancaster. She has been given extended shore leave on medical advice after plucking out her feathers and looking withdrawn.

Sunny, a six-year-old African grey with the official service number of RN Parrot No 1, has a habit of squawking "arse" and "bollocks" at inappropriate moments.

During a visit in 2001 by the First Sea Lord, Sunny was banished to a wardroom broom cupboard but could still be heard uttering expletives. Besides a comprehensive list of oaths, her favourite phrases are "Zulus, thousands of 'em" and "You ain't seen nothing, right?"

Shore leave was ordered when Lancaster returned to its home port, Portsmouth, after tours of duty to the Falklands, Middle East and Africa.

Sunny is now recuperating with the family of Lt Mari Duffy, one of the ship's officers, and her feathers are growing again.