Whipper (budgerigar)

Whipper (2003–2017) was 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

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]

Public notability

  • "Whipper Fan Page". thepapnews.com. Archived from the original on 8 October 2009.
  • Whipper the Mutant Parakeet. Uzoo. 3 December 2008 – via YouTube.
  • "Welcome to our New Clinic!!" (PDF). Dairy Notes. Vol. 10, no. 1. Central Southland Vet Services. August 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 21 November 2023.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "The Hearty Breakfast Archives". Hokonui Gold. Julie Heyward. Archived from the original on 6 October 2007.
  2. ↑ "Whipper the Budgie, Who Was Born With a Genetic Mutation Called 'Feather Duster', Winton, New Zealand - 26 Apr 2004". Shutterstock.
  3. ↑ Julie Heyward. The Hearty Breakfast. Hokonui Gold. Archived from the original (Advanced Systems Format) on 29 October 2007.
  4. 1 2 "No Bird Of A Feather". Sky News. 21 April 2004. Archived from the original on 1 July 2004.
  5. ↑ "'I tawt I taw a... what the hell is that???'". The Courier Mail. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
  6. ↑ Rowe, Matt (16 November 2016). "Feather Duster Budgies". Lafeber. Archived from the original on 18 August 2025. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
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