Locals stunned after spotting 'rare' pink pigeon on high street

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 rare bird after capturing a real wildlife coo on her camera.

Rabia, from Solihull, said: “I was just fascinated by the bird – and my family are fascinated, too.”

Locals have dubbed the colourful high street visitor Penelope after the glamorous Thunderbirds puppet famed for her cerise car and clothing.

She swears she hasn’t tampered with the colours and the pigeon is naturally in the pink.

Someone else may have done so, however.

After viewing footage of a similar Barbie coloured bird that turned up in Bournemouth, a British Trust for Ornithology spokesperson concluded a third party was involved.

“This pigeon has been deliberately dyed, there’s no question about it," they said.

The spokesperson added: "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.”

And, if that wasn't enough, there is another theory - Penelope may have been fed a diet that changed her colouration.

Experts say Flamingos are pink because of the brine shrimps they devour.