DESPERATE staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary have had their feathers ruffled by a new arrival near the maternity ward.

But rather than a baby or patient in need of care, it is an adult make blue peacock in all its finery.

The exotic avian visitor, who is more at home in the jungles of India and Sri Lanka or country estates in the UK, has taken up residence in the grounds and his human friends are hoping someone will be able to take him before he gets hurt.

The bird, who has been nicknamed Percy, has been in residence for three weeks, wandering the courtyards and gardens.

Staff, patients and visitors have been feeding him, putting out berries, peanuts and water, while trying to find him a more suitable home than the car park of the complex.

Gardener team member at the hospital Stefan Zajac said: “He has a lovely tail and crest. He’s beautiful.

“He needs shelter long term.

“I think he’s been released because he’s become a pest but he could have escaped.”

He said staff had rung the police to ask if anyone had reported Percy missing but they had no records of missing peacocks.

They have been following advice from a bird rescue centre but neither the RSPCA or RSPB have been able to help because the bird is not injured.

Mr Zajac said the bird appears to be in good health and has so far managed to avoid dangers such as foxes, busy traffic and really bad weather.

He and his colleagues are hoping that the publicity may help the peacock to find a suitable new home.

Mr Zajac added: “He keeps moving. He was in a nice garden in the offices across the road but he crossed Duckworth Lane.

“He is lucky to have stayed alive.

“As you can probably imagine, the hospital grounds are not the ideal habitat for a lone peacock and, although the bird is quickly becoming somewhat of a celebrity, we at the hospital would be very relieved if a suitable home could be found.”

Anyone who can help take care of Percy is asked to call Mr Zajac on 07722 445025.