THE RSPCA is looking after a stray lovebird after she was found loose in a garden in Norton sub Hamdon.

The colourful lovebird - a member of the parrot family - was so friendly that the surprised householder was able to catch her and take her to a local vet, who then contacted the RSPCA for help.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Dean Wilkins said “She is lovely and friendly, and we’re sure there’s someone out there who’s missing their beloved pet. I have taken her to our West Hatch animal centre near Taunton where she is being well looked after.

“The team there has named her ‘Tequila Sunrise’ as she’s so colourful.

“We were hoping that her owner might be found but unfortunately, this lovebird was not microchipped so we have been unable to trace them.

“And despite putting up posters locally and posting on a lost and found site, no one has come forward with any information, so Tequila Sunrise will now be put up for adoption and hopefully someone will soon offer her a forever home.”

Every year, the RSPCA deals with hundreds of stray and abandoned pet psittacines (birds that belong to the parrot family including lovebirds, macaws and parakeets).

Sadly, the RSPCA often finds it extremely difficult to reunite these birds with their owners as many are not microchipped or ringed.

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 the use of a parrot passport, which will facilitate the identification of a bird, should it ever be lost and found.

The passport also contains advice for new owners to help keep their birds safe and secure.

The RSPCA also recommends that captive birds are housed in an aviary where possible but, if kept in a cage, it is essential that bird owners allow the opportunity for free flight daily by providing time outside the cage to carry out this natural behaviour.

Anyone letting a parrot have free flight within a house should ensure windows and doors are secured first, to prevent accidental escape.

Anyone interested in rehoming a rescued bird from the RSPCA can visit this website.

The RSPCA has a new animation to explain to people how they can best help animals in need.