Mutant Pigeon: Is it Real or Fake?

The most trivial happenings in the world can turn into the most viral sensations online, and this time, a pigeon has taken the spotlight. A viral TikTok video shows a ‘mutant’ pigeon with elongated legs and a puffed-out breast. This clip has left bird-watchers, and netizens baffled as they raised questions about whether the mutant pigeon was real or fake, generated by AI. Let’s take a look at the viral video and uncover the truth behind the internet sensation.

Exploring the viral TikTok video of the mutant pigeon

UK-based TikTok account @pigeonsTV originally shared the viral video, which has now amassed an astounding 18.6 million views and counting. The video shows the odd-looking bird perched in a garden as it struts its beefy body frame and long legs. 

@pigeonstv

English Pouter pigeons #pigeonstv #pigeon

♬ original sound – Pigeons Tv

The bird’s pronounced breast and elongated legs made it look like someone had gone wrong with their Ozempic regimen. The mutant pigeon’s scrawny legs and talons seem to be covered in plumes in a manner that seems like it’s wearing natural pants. 

The pigeon actually has the body shape of a much larger hen or a chicken, except the top part looks like an average pigeon that you would spot near a park. Regardless, the bird’s bizarre appearance has led to doubts over the authenticity of the video.

Fact check: Is it real or AI-generated?

As the mutant pigeon’s video went viral on social media platforms, many users believed that someone had used AI to create the bird. They suggested that deepfake technology was used to generate this odd-looking pigeon.

Learning how to deepfake + remembering with great power comes great responsibility. pic.twitter.com/2zwdRCytGC

— Ramsay Almighty (@ramsayalmighty) June 16, 2023

AI-generated images and videos have taken over the internet in the past couple of years. Deepfake technology has improved to a point where it’s extremely difficult to distinguish between reality and fake content.

Unsurprisingly, the mutant pigeon sparked a meme fest across social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. People compared it to Pokémon, Met Gala outfits, AI-generated creations, and even drawing pigeons from their memory.

However, it was later revealed that the bird in question is an English Pouter pigeon, a distinct breed known for its unique physical attributes. Contrary to initial beliefs, the mutant pigeon is a real and extraordinary member of the avian world. 

The English Pouter pigeon, explained

So, why does the English Pouter, better known now as the mutant pigeon, look like that? Essentially the bird can inflate its crop, which gives it the appearance of a puffed-out breast. 

Experts believe that the English Pouter originated in England over 400 years ago through cross-breeding various pigeon types. The bird can puff its bulbous breast and maintain it for extended periods.

In fact, the father of evolution, Charles Darwin himself, mentioned this distinct breed in his book ‘The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication’ in 1868. He called it the most distinct of all domesticated pigeons. The bird even influenced fashion trends in the early 20th century, inspiring a ‘pouter pigeon dress’ with a puffed waistline.

You can share questions about the viral mutant pigeon. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!