Jul 10, 2011

By Courtney Goforth

 

            An unexpected show-stopper put in a special appearance on July 4^th at Moore’s Art in the Park. She spent most of the afternoon resting comfortably on her owner’s shoulders, but all it took was a word from Misty Wilson to launch her hybrid parrot named “Alizay” into performance mode.

 

            Wilson purchased Alizay three years ago for $2,000 and the two have developed an unusual bond ever since.

 

            “I found her in a pet store and I just had to have her,” Misty Wilson said. “She talks and does tricks. She was trained a little bit, and I’ve taught her a few things.”  

 

            The eight-year-old bird usually draws a lot of attention, not only because of her big white and yellow feathers, but her human-like talents that she is not afraid to show off. When Wilson takes her into public, Alizay regularly shows affection to her owner with kisses, as well as endearingly calling her “Mama.” She can also convincingly bark like a dog, cry like a baby and repeat other words on command.

 

            Wilson takes her pet out every day and claims that she never has to worry about Alizay flying away, although her wings are not clipped. Alizay is very territorial and attached to her human owner, a bond that has translated into an unusual level of comfort between the two.

 

            This parrot hybrid is not fertile, because she does not have a mate, according to Wilson. Once a month, as a sign of affection, the bird lays an egg in her hand and regurgitates on her owner.

 

            Apparently nothing says I love you like the gift of bird vomit.

 

            Parrots normally do this either because they are ill, or because they like you, according to Parrot Chronicles website. It is their way of offering food to a mate or person with whom the bird has bonded. Despite the unusual displays of affection, Alizay bathes once per week with her owner, but sleeps in her cage every night for comfort.

 

            When taking on a parrot as your pet, owners can expect almost a lifetime commitment. Therefore, the Wilsons have discussed taking their talented bird to nursing homes to enrich more lives with their unique pet.