AN extremely friendly parrot startled a Perivale man when it swooped down on to his shoulder in his back garden.

The man and his friend were outside enjoying the weather on Saturday when the colourful Amazon parrot surprised them both.

It appeared so tame they suspected that it was someone’s stray pet, but no-one they knew was missing one.

They enticed the parrot into the safety of the house and called the RSPCA for help.

Collection Officer Jill Sanders said:  “This parrot’s really handsome and very friendly, so we’re pretty sure he or she is someone’s pet.

“We do get a lot of calls about stray parrots in the warmer months, due to accidental escape.

"It can happen when owners take their birds outside on a perch or hand, or let their birds fly around the house but forget to close their windows or doors.  

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“Unfortunately, the parrot wasn’t micro-chipped so can’t be identified, and we do not yet know whether it’s a male or female without a DNA test.

“But I’m sure someone must be missing this lovely bird, so if you know anything please do contact our appeals line on 0300 123 8018.”

The parrot is now being cared for at the RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital.

The RSPCA urges people to take steps to make sure their pet bird can be positively identified, with a microchip or closed ring.  

The charity advocates use of a parrot passport, which will allow identification of a bird, should it ever be lost and found. 

"It is recommended reporting any lost, found or stolen pet birds to the National Theft Register.

Anyone interested in rehoming a rescued bird from the RSPCA can visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet