Or, to put it another way, rubbing bird skit into his face.

The 49-year-old actor is reportedly a fan of the expensive treatment - which involves mixing nightingale excrement with rice bran and water and applying as a face mask - and is thrilled with the 'fantastic' boost his complexion has had since he began the procedures.

A source close to the actor said: "Tom doesn't go in for Botox or surgery but he does pay close attention to all the new and popular natural treatments. He recently started experimenting with the nightingale poo facial. It was recommended by a Hollywood pal and the results have been fantastic."

Tom is said to be "proud" to have turned to the treatment - of which Victoria Beckham is rumoured to be a fan - instead of turning to cosmetic surgery as he gets older. Apart from that nose job.

The source added to Now magazine: "Tom doesn't see splashing out on the facials as him being vain or weird - in fact, he points out there are much wackier fads out there. And he's proud of himself for avoiding the temptations of plastic surgery."

So, next time a bird skitters on your shoulder, turn your face skyward and ensure you tentatively rub it into your face (don't forget the neck) before you trot off to buy that lotto ticket.