The Mutant ‘feather-duster’ budgie is a common pet parakeet which has a cosmopolitan distribution. The mutant budgie is not a species but a mutation of the budgerigar. First seen in 1966, there have been many more reports of such mutations. The mutant budgie is characterized with feathers that begin to curl since they never stop growing. Also known as the ‘feather duster’ this bird’s long plumage covers its eyes and does not allow it to fly. Its diet is comprised of seeds and millet to replace the rapid loss of nutrients due to feather growth. Since it does not survive for more than a year, no breeding has ever taken place. Since it is a mutation, it does not have an IUCN listing.
Mutant ‘feather-duster’ Budgie
