Whipper (budgerigar)

Individual bird of New Zealand

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" a very rare mutation, made him famous in his home country.[2]

After being placed with and rejected by his mother, his owner took personal care of Whipper. This early separation from his own species may have resulted in his unique vocal sounds, and later reintroduction to other budgerigars caused normal calls to be more evident.[3]

## Mutation

[edit]

Whipper's vet declared him as a mutant.[4] Bird mutations are well documented and can cause health problems.[5]

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.

Whipper was confirmed to still be alive in 2011[6] but his current status is unknown.[7][8]

## Public notability

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* 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

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* Feather
* Breed
* List of individual birds

## References

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1. ^ "Hokonui Gold Breakfast Archives". Archived from the original on 6 October 2007.
2. ^ Photos of Whipper in 2004
3. ^ "Radio Interview Recording"
4. ^ a b "Whipper's Clearly No Bird Of A Feather". Sky News. 21 April 2004. Archived from the original on 1 July 2004.
5. ^ "Bird Mutations". BirdChannel.com. Archived from the original on 22 May 2007.
6. ^ Lafeber birds
7. ^ Feather duster budgie
8. ^ Photo taken in 2011