HEARTBROKEN owners are appealing for help in tracking down their beloved parrot who they say is part of their family.

Leeann Naidoo, of Carr Road, Northolt, is desperate to see her pet again and has already put up posters, advertised on the internet and trawled the streets without success.

The 35-year-old lost Kiko on October 28, the day after her birthday. She said: "My husband was throwing away the empty cake box and Kiko was on his shoulder. He thought it would be OK but lifting the dustbin lid spooked him and he flew away."

The eight-month-old parrot is well trained and normally returns when called but Mrs Naidoo believes the noise of traffic confused him.

She added: "He's grey with a red tail so at a glance he looks like a common pigeon. If you do spot him then the best thing to do is hold out your arm and call him, he'll be very gentle.

"He'll be hungry so you would be welcome to feed him seeds and fruit and will perch for hours on an open interior door or something similar."

A reward is offered for his return, call Mrs Naidoo on 0789 115 2053.