Then Barney the swearing parrot used more Anglo-Saxon language on a vicar and two police officers.

But, worse still, he is now teaching his bad habits to two other birds at the wildlife sanctuary where he lives.

"I knew that Barney could swear but what has happened is shocking," said sanctuary owner Geoff Grewcock.

"He's been teaching the other two when we had our backs turned.

"It sounds like a builders' yard, with all the abuse flying about."

In 2005, Barney told the local mayoress to f*** off during a civic visit and then turned to two police officers and a vicar and added: "You can f*** off too, w******!"

Mr Grewcock said: "We have tried everything to get Barney to curb his language and now we have got another two to contend with.

"These birds can live until they are 70 so there are potentially another 60 years of this to contend with."