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Whipper is a budgerigar from Winton, Southland District, New Zealand. Its unusual appearance, long curly plumage, and vocalisations, which were caused by a genetic mutation made it famous in its home country.
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After being placed with, and rejected by its mother, its owner took personal care of Whipper. This early separation from its own species may have resulted in its unique vocal sounds, and later reintroduction to other budgerigars caused normal calls to be more evident.
Mutation
Whipper's vet declared him as a mutant. Bird mutations are well documented and can cause health problems.
Mutation is common within the species, caused by "budgerigar colour genetics". However, Whipper's unique mutation is long curly feathers, short flightless wings and apparent blindness. It is suspected that the mutation, which is known to budgerigar breeders as the "feather duster" mutation, caused unrestricted feather growth, resulting in the budgerigar's dishevelled appearance.