Whipper (budgerigar)
Whipper (born December 2003) is a budgerigar from Winton, Southland District, New Zealand.[1] His unusual appearance, long curly plumage, and vocalisations, which were caused by a genetic mutation called "feather duster" made him famous in his home country.[2]
After being rejected by his mother, Whipper was cared for by a human owner. This early separation from his own species may have resulted in his unique vocal sounds.[3]
Mutation
[edit]Whipper's vet declared him as a mutant.[4] Genetic colour variation is common within the species. However, Whipper's unique mutation is long curly feathers, short flightless wings and apparent blindness.[4] It is suspected that the mutation, which is known to budgerigar breeders as the "feather duster budgerigar" mutation, caused unrestricted feather growth, resulting in the budgerigar's dishevelled appearance.
In 2017, it was reported that Whipper had recently died.[5][6][7][8]
Public notability
[edit]- Whipper Fan Page: "Fan Page Dedicated To Everything Whipper"
- U-ZOO Feature, United Kingdom (YouTube): "Really Weird-Looking Bird"
- Promotional Appearance (July 2004): "Local veterinary clinic promotion"
- Honkonui Gold Interview (audio): "Chirping alone with owner, on his favorite radio station"
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Hokonui Gold Breakfast Archives". Archived from the original on 6 October 2007.
- ^ Photos of Whipper in 2004
- ^ "Radio Interview Recording"
- ^ a b "Whipper's Clearly No Bird Of A Feather". Sky News. 21 April 2004. Archived from the original on 1 July 2004.
- ^ "'I tawt I taw a... what the hell is that???'". The Courier Mail. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Lafeber birds
- ^ Feather duster budgie
- ^ Photo taken in 2011