The Complete Guide to Identifying the
Tufted Walmart Customer (Qui Indutus Turpiter Palam)
in their Natural Habitat

Sadly, James Audubon, author of that classic catalog of American ornithology, The Birds of America, passed away before an entirely new species of rare bird, the Qui Indutus Turpiter Palam (Those Who Dress Shamefully in Public) mutated, evolved, and propagated throughout the United States.  Most ornithologists fix the date the species sprang up as July 2, 1962, near the town of Rogers, Arkansas.  Because this coincides exactly with the date and location of the first Walmart, it is generally held that the two occurrences are directly related but there is some heated debate over the theory.  Regardless, the Walmart name has been affixed to the species, and extensive DNA studies bear this out.

Because this highly varied species is now found throughout the United States (they reproduce prodigiously) this guide has been written to provide the amateur people-watcher a comprehensive reference for identifying them in the wild. Although there are numerous offshoots of the Tufted Walmart Customer (Qui Indutus Turpiter Palam), here are the major sub-species of this colorful creature.

Unum Amplitude Congruat Omnes – “One Size Fits All”
This sub-species is easily recognizable by its attempt to wear something that was intended to be worn by someone much (much, much) smaller. Vast expanses of flesh that should not ordinarily be seen ooze out of the garments’ borders. Most popular of the garments are yoga pants, halter tops, cycling shorts, and tube tops. Although it should be noted that severely ill-fitting bathing suits and Speedo type shorts have in fact been observed.

Et Ubi Sum Ego Non Curo – “I Don’t Care Where I Am”
Perhaps one of the most distinctive traits of this sub-species is their apparent “I don’t give a damn” attitude. It is worn with a kind of pride and one can only assume it is used to quickly locate and attract others of its kind.  Indeed, it is only due to local public indecency laws that they are wearing anything at all. Their outer plumage, what there is of it, is seemingly thrown on in a haphazard manner as they are leaving the nest. On numerous occasions, what is clearly sleepwear has been observed being worn in a brazen display of their oft-touted “I don’t give a damn” attitude. An identifying feature of this sub-species is the brightness of its plumage and the fact that all the colors they wear clash.

Indumentis Diaphanum – “Transparent Clothing”
This is, by far, the most controversial sub-species. In many cases, they defy logic, at least to the professional scientist, if not the casual observer. Their plumage is transparent. Gender of the subject is easily ascertained as there is also no under-plumage to hide gender features.  They are easily spotted as flocks of the species follow them wherever they go. This sub-species is generally regarded as a prime breeder of more of the Tufted Walmart Customer species.

Miles Simulare – “Pretend Soldier”
Also known as the Venator Incredibili or Quis Venator Persequitur, Non – “One Who Doesn’t Hunt But Likes Camo”
This sub-species has evolved to a point where they have developed “camo-plumage” which they think hides them.  It is often best to humor them; this can be done by bumping into them and then exclaiming “Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there!” Unfortunately, they are usually found near the cheap beer displays where they are easily recognized. At times, they can be observed diligently comparing the pros and cons of “on sale today only!” lawn chairs with and without built-in cup holders. They can show a belligerent attitude, but become quite docile and pleasant if you jingle a ring of keys in front of them.

Animalis Rabidus – “Animal Crazy”
This sub-species is unique in that they seem to prefer the company of animals over their own kind.  While they would ordinarily fall under a completely different Walmart species, they are included with Qui Indutus Turpiter Palam (Those Who Dress Shamefully in Public) or the Tufted Walmart Customer because of their unusual behavior. Observations have shown the individuals of this sub-species go so far as to hide their animal friends in large bags and purses, even using them as accessories to their otherwise prim and plain outer plumage. Particularly smart members of this sub-species obtain fake credentials for their companions, while others simply do not care what modern society thinks of them and therefore take their animal pals everywhere regardless of cleanliness, drool-control (or lack thereof), or behavior of said pal. Field notes from various locations indicate that all manner of animal sidekicks to this sub-species have been observed including the routine small, yapper dogs, along with pigs, snakes, and even a monkey. So-called super-centers with their caches of food, including open items such as fruit and vegetables, are not off limits to the Animalis Rapidus. It has been said this is the most brazen of all the Tufted Walmart Customers.

Conclusions
As the species continues to expand and grow across the United States, Walmart, the store generally credited with creating the species in the first place, finds that they need to build additional stores to provide more natural habitat. Observing the Tufted Walmart Customer in their own environment can be a fun activity for young and old alike. However, caution must be taken to limit interaction and under no circumstances should you feed them or attempt to take them home.  We suggest that you build a viewing blind in the parking lot of your nearest Walmart.