A cockatiel found in rough shape in New Canaan is in the care of an animal hospital and will be adopted by a staff member there if unclaimed, officials say.
Howie Mandel the cockatiel. Contributed photo
The bird, believed to be male, was found wandering out of an open garage on Cecil Place by homeowners one morning late last week after they were alerted to the cockatiel’s presence by unusual chirping noises, according to Officer Allyson Halm, head of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section.
“We named him ‘Howie Mandel’ because he is bald and very vocal,” Halm said.
It isn’t clear whether someone “dumped” the cockatiel or if he escaped from his home. The bird was thin and is missing feathers on the back of his head, she said.
Though the animal is able to fly, he allowed himself to be secured in a dog crate, according to Halm. She brought him to South Wilton Veterinary Group, which handles exotic animals.
Howie is under a seven-day hold that runs through Friday, as per state law.