Can a Parrot Be Questioned in Court?

A man in Virginia claims someone has wrongfully adopted his missing African Grey parrot from a shelter, and wants a chance to question the bird in court to prove that it is actually his bird. The plaintiff feels that would allow him to demonstrate the birds talents to prove the bird used to be his. I hope the bird has some talents or phrases a bit more unique that the ones listed in this news story if this fellow wants to prove the bird is his beyond a doubt. Owners of larger parrots might want to consider microchipping their birds, since in a case such as this electronic identification might be more legally acceptable than questioning your bird in a courtroom!