A sparrow that fell from the roof of a house became a close family member in a village on the Taiwan island, news report said on Sunday.

"Where are you, Birdie? Come here to your Dad!" calls Weng Jinkun. Upon hearing this, a tiny sparrow flies from its perch on the chandelier and lands on the man's shoulder, chirping as if it was answering the call. It gently pecks on Weng's face, like a baby kissing its father.

A sparrow called "Birdie" at a Taiwan villager's home.

Five years ago when the then baby bird hadn't even opened its eyes yet, it fell from the roof of Weng's house, chinataiwan.org reports. When Weng and his wife Chen Lihua discovered the tiny bird, they treated the small creature like a baby, feeding it every half an hour.

The bird probably recognized the couple as its Dad and Mom the moment it opened its eyes and had the first glance of the world. One month later when the bird grew up and was able to fly, Weng brought it out to release it. However, the bird refused to leave but always followed him.

As a result, the couple has adopted it and kept it until now. The only name they could think of for the creature was "Birdie".

Now even if other birds sang outside, Birdie will not fly out to socialize with them, but just stand at the window and listen. It enjoys every meal with his human parents.

Even though Weng and his family have to clean the house to remove the bird's droppings every day, they never get angry at this animal.

"He may be naughty, but he's an amusing member of our family," Weng said.

(China Daily August 21, 2007)