Lost Parrot Returns Home After Four Years Speaking Spanish

In Torrance, California, a pet African grey parrot named Nigel went missing from his owner's home in 2010. He had a clear British accent from his owner, Darren Chick. Four years later, in 2014, the bird turned up at a stranger's house, now speaking Spanish. The reunion came after a dog groomer found him and used his microchip to track down Chick.

Background

Darren Chick bought Nigel years before the disappearance. Chick, originally from Britain, taught the parrot phrases with his own accent. Nigel would say things like 'Hello, guvna' in a polished British tone. The two lived together in their home in Torrance, a quiet city south of Los Angeles.

One day in 2010, Nigel flew off and did not come back. Chick searched everywhere. He posted ads online and checked with local vets. Months turned into years. Chick started to think his feathered friend was gone for good. He even stopped looking as regularly.

During those four years, Nigel ended up far from home. He survived on his own or with others. No one knows exactly how he spent that time. But he clearly picked up new skills. When he showed up again, his speech had changed completely.

African grey parrots are known for their smarts. They can learn hundreds of words and mimic sounds perfectly. Experts say they pick up language from people around them. Nigel's story shows just how well they adapt to new places and voices.

Key Details

Julissa Sperling runs Happy Tails dog spa in Torrance. One day in 2014, she heard noises outside her house. There was a grey parrot whistling and talking. It barked like dogs and said phrases in Spanish.

“He was singing and talking without control. He was barking like the dogs. I’m from Panama, and he was saying, ‘What happened?’ in Spanish.” – Julissa Sperling

Sperling felt the bird belonged to someone. She took it to a vet. The vet scanned a microchip under its skin. The chip linked back to Chick, but it did not have full owner details at first.

The Reunion Process

Teresa Micco had lost her own parrot, Benjamin. She saw Sperling's post online and thought it might be hers. Micco met Sperling and scanned the chip herself. It did not match her bird. But she kept helping.

Micco checked old records from Animal Lovers pet store in Torrance. They had sold Nigel to Chick years ago. The store gave Chick's address. Micco passed it on, and soon Nigel was back with his original owner.

When Chick saw Nigel, the parrot bit him at first. It kept saying 'Larry,' a name Chick did not know. Nigel also whistled tunes like the theme from 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.' Chick noticed the Spanish words right away.

It turned out Nigel had spent time with another family. Liza Smith Hernández's grandparents bought him at a yard sale for $400. They renamed him Morgan after a rum brand. Liza's grandfather, Ruben, was from Guatemala. He taught Morgan Spanish.

Ruben whistled classical music to the bird. Morgan learned dog names too. He mixed 'Lorro' and 'Jerry' into 'Larry.' The family grew close to him. When Chick wanted Nigel back, he decided it was best for the bird to stay with Liza's family. They had cared for him well.

What This Means

Nigel's story points to how parrots form strong bonds. They learn from whoever is around them. A British accent turned into Spanish phrases in just four years. This shows their brains work like sponges for sounds and words.

Microchips helped bring Nigel home. Vets and pet stores keep records that make reunions possible. Without the chip, he might still be lost or with the wrong people.

Parrots like African greys face risks when they escape. They can end up in wild areas or with strangers. Some get sold illegally. Nigel's safe return is rare and lucky.

This case also shows kindness from strangers. Sperling could have kept the bird. Micco went out of her way to help. Chick put the parrot's happiness first by letting him stay where he fit best.

Stories like this spread online years later. People share them because they surprise and warm hearts. Parrots remind us animals have personalities and memories. Nigel now lives happily, chatting in two languages with his new family.

Experts note African greys live 40 to 60 years. Nigel could be around for decades more. His adventure might inspire owners to chip their pets and teach them well. It also raises questions about how birds survive alone. Did Nigel join wild flocks? Did he beg for food from people?

No one knows the full path he took. But his language switch proves parrots thrive by copying those nearby. Families who lose pets hold onto hope. Nigel's tale gives them a real example of second chances.