A Mexican man probably regrets taking his pet parrot for a drive in his car after the bird squealed to police that its owner was drunk.

Guillermo Reyes, 49, was pulled over last week at a routine alcohol checkpoint in Mexico City, where officers heard another voice coming from inside the car.

It turned out to be Reyes' pet parrot, who yelled out "He's drunk! He's drunk!", reports El Universal.

Tests revealed the bird was telling the truth, and Reyes was arrested on charges of drink-driving.

Despite dobbing in his friend, the parrot's bond with its owner is still intact. Police allowed the bird to accompany Reyes to prison because they feared it would die if left alone.

The pair stayed together in El Torito, known as Mexico City's "hangover prison" because it's where drunk drivers are taken to sober up.