A MISSING parrot survived two snowstorms and malnutrition but still managed to wing his way back to a delighted Newport owner.

The orange-winged Amazon flew the nest of his Bettws home more than three months ago after a back door was accidentally left open in the New Year, as previously reported in the Argus.

The bedraggled bird was reunited with Emma Cox, 21, of Monnow Way, after she received a call from Summerhill Avenue Veterinary Centre on Easter Sunday.

Czar, pronounced 'see-zar', was missing a few feathers and is still traumatised following his 14-week ordeal, but Miss Cox was delighted to have him back in one piece.

"He's a little miracle," said Miss Cox, who admitted fearing the worst while he was gone.

"He went through two bouts of snow in February and I gave up hope of seeing him after that. This is the best Easter present I've ever had."

A Maindee resident, David Major, was surprised to find the eight-month old parrot in his back garden in Glebe Close at the weekend. He took him into the vet's and an assistant immediately telephoned Miss Cox, who had already sent letters and posters to vets across Newport asking if anyone had seen her pet.

The animal lover thanked her neighbours in Bettws along with the vets, pet shops and animal shelters in Newport for displaying her posters.

Miss Cox said she welcomed the bird home by cooking a special chicken and egg dinner for him on Sunday evening.