This is a real feather in its cap.
A Missouri pet has been named the oldest living dove in captivity.
Sugar, who is a staggering 44 years and 72 days old, has more than doubled its life expectancy.
The record-breaking bird, who lives with 77-year-old Chesterfield resident Dewayne Orender, beat out the previous title holder, Methuselah of Germany, by more than 15 years, according to Guinness World Records.
“He seems very happy and content,” Orender, who has been Sugar’s caretaker since the creature was born in 1981, told the record book.
“He loves me dearly – he and I are best friends.”
Orender had been gifted a male bird, which he named Luther, then bought a female dove, whom he called Gidget, from the pet store.
He was shocked when just a few weeks later, he found two small eggs in the pair’s cage.
“I really didn’t think they’d hatch, but they did!” he continued. “And one was Sugar.”
Orender gave away Sugar’s sibling, a white dove named Goldie, and raised Sugar.
Through the years, the bird lover has raised multiple doves, and given them away to loving homes.
Orender, a music industry veteran, said Sugar shares his passion, and is known to tap his feet when he hears a beat.
“I’ve been in the music business for over 50 years, and he’s very much in love with music,” he said.
“He’s even pictured on two of my music videos.”
He even nicknamed his feathered friend “lap dog,” since Sugar will sit on his lap while watching his favorite TV shows like “Good Morning America” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” especially enjoying when the “American Idol” alum sings.
The bird also has a penchant for cooking shows, and when he hears a recipe calls for sugar, he thinks the chef is talking to him.
“I tell him he’s a movie star, and I play it again until he stomps his feet,” Orender joked.
