Hotel because he refused to be gagged.

His owner Brian Alkon, president of Mermaid Beach, was delighted when the bird was returned by Police.

But it was all down to Sundance who made such a fuss in a local shop that news of a rare bird in town got back to the hotel.

And after a little investigation the "birdnapper'' was found and the Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo taken home.

Mr. Alkon and his partner Mr. Brett Munro, have over 20 cockatoos at the hotel. They are domesticated and guests at Mermaid Beach can handle them and have photographs taken with the rare breeds.

"We have bought exotic birds for some time and they are just like part of the family,'' said Mr. Alkon.

"We have had Sundance for about four years. He went missing about 12 days ago and we made some inquiries.

"Apparently the thief walked into the shop with the bird on his arm and Sundance was saying `Good Morning, Good Morning.' "Later I spoke to the shop owner who said, I have seen a bird you would like.

He gave me a description and I said: `That is my bird!' We made a few inquiries and the Police found him.

"The bird had been missing for 10 days but we are delighted to get him back.'' A man is due to appear in Magistrates' Court this week in connection with the theft.

SUNDANCE KID-NAPPED -- Mr. Brian Alkon welcomes home Sundance, his Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, after the bird's ordeal.