Haji, the African Grey parrot with Sadiq Sharif.

The distraught woman who offered a £500 reward for her missing parrot was reunited with her pet after a Recorder appeal.

Sana Sharif appealed for help when Haji, who can “speak” English and Gujarati, disappeared last month.

But days later, the African Grey was found in a neighbour’s garden – after he landed on a man’s shoulder.

Mrs Sharif, of Kensington Avenue, Manor Park, originally thought the bird had flown towards Ilford after escaping from his cage in her garden.

She said: “He was found just around the corner from me in Coleridge Avenue.

“A man was in his garden with his son when Haji landed on his shoulder.

“Straight away they knew it was him and they called me to go and collect him.”

Mrs Sharif said she was initially worried that they had the wrong parrot because Haji was silent for days.

She added: “Now he’s back to normal and talking. I’m very, very happy to have him back.

“I’ve had so many supporters. One man came all the way from Ilford to help me look for him and lots of people called to say they were looking and wish me luck.”