2:47 PM PT -- Cesar's team told us he would be working with the bird, however, a spokesperson for the Metropoulos brothers says Cesar's team is full of it. The rep tells us, "As the owner of the Playboy mansion, Daren Metropoulos is very proud to have the only private zoo in Los Angeles. He has provided every resource necessary to create a protective environment where these very unique animals are flourishing."

The statement continues, "Because of the iconic status of the property, Daren receives many requests to visit the zoo. Cesar Milan contacted Daren a year ago and he granted him access."

"There are no plans now or in the future, for the African grey crowned crane, or any other exotic animal to leave the zoo or to be cared for or trained by anyone other than the current team of professional caretakers. Any reference to the contrary is inaccurate."

Cesar Millan's spreading his wings ... using his talents to tame a moody birdie at the Playboy Mansion.

We're told the new owners of the famous mansion -- brothers Evan and Daren Metropoulos -- will hand over their African grey crowned crane sometime at the end of this month. The plan ... the famous dog trainer will calm the temperamental bird at his Santa Clarita ranch.

Cesar came into the picture near the end of last year during a visit to the mansion ... where the Metropoulos bros groused to Cesar about the bird's aggressive tendencies ... like charging people and just making it difficult for caretakers to tend to the exotic bird.

Cesar connected with the African crane during his visit and made it submit ... showing who's boss, and it astounded everyone. The brothers were duly impressed and hatched a plan with Cesar to reboot the bird.

The crane's gonna get the full Cesar treatment, and when he's done, it'll head back to the Mansion ... hopefully way less cranky.