Feather duster budgerigar Feather duster budgerigar Feather duster budgerigars ("Melopsittacus undulatus"), sometimes called budgerigar mops, are budgerigars that have a condition characterised by overly long feathers that do not stop growing at usual periods, giving the bird the appearance of a feather duster. This condition is sometimes known as chrysanthemum feathering. The contour, tail and flight feathers do not stop growing, and they do not have the necessary barbs and barbules for the feather's structure to interlock. The shaft (calamus) is also curved, and so the feathers appear deformed and fluffed out. Individuals with this condition often appear less alert than nest mates.
Calamus Swamp website, Calamus Swamp has a unique plant community. Because of the moist soil, trees such as the American Elm, Green Ash and, in places, Red and Silver maples make up the swamp forest. Calamus Swamp has a wide range of birds and animals: Because the Scioto River is only away, the lake attracts many migrating water birds, such as ducks, geese, grebes, and others. Mammals that have been spotted here include raccoons, muskrats, groundhogs, opossums, and white-tailed deer. The lake is home to other animals including the Ohio fairy shrimp, white leech, horse leech, giant water bug, pond snail, and