Locals stunned by pink pigeon
The pigeon has been named Penelope after the character in Thunderbirds (Picture: BPM Media)

People living in the West Midlands have been left squawking after spotting a pigeon – because it was bright pink.

Sixth-form college student Rabia, 17, spotted the bird last Wednesday in Solihull and quickly managed to take a picture.

She said: ‘I was just fascinated by the bird – and my family are fascinated, too.’

Locals have called their visitor Penelope, after the Thunderbirds character known for her bright car and clothing.

But others want to call her Barbie, saying the bird is the perfect pink shade.

Rabia said she hasn’t edited the photos and the pigeon truly is as bright as it appears.

A spokesperson from the British Trust for Ornithology spokesperson suggested a third party must have been involved, after seeing similar footage of a pink bird which was spotted in Bournemouth.

‘This pigeon has been deliberately dyed, there’s no question about
it,’ the spokesperson said.

This pigeon on Solihull high street is clearly tickled pink by the festive break. And so is teenager Rabia, a sixth form college student, who spotted the 'Barbie' bird after capturing a real wildlife coo on her camera.
Locals have been squawking about this pink pigeon in Solihull (Picture: BPM Media)
This pigeon on Solihull high street is clearly tickled pink by the festive break. And so is teenager Rabia, a sixth form college student, who spotted the 'Barbie' bird after capturing a real wildlife coo on her camera.
Sixth-form college student Rabia, 17, managed to photograph the bright bird (Picture: BPM Media)

‘It is covered in pink from beak to tail, and every feather has colour on it.

‘It’s not unheard of for white pigeons to be dyed by their owners for use at magic shows or weddings where they will be released, then recovered.

‘This is the first time I’ve heard of one escaping into public, though.’

Another theory is the pigeon may have been fed a diet which changed its colouration.

Experts say flamingos are pink because of the brine shrimps they eat.

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