Top 7 Most Expensive Birds In The World

Birds, with their vibrant plumage and enchanting songs, have long captivated the human imagination. Among these feathered wonders, some stand out not only for their beauty but also for their staggering price tags.

From the resplendent wings of the Hyacinth Macaw to the rare and elusive elegance of the Spix's Macaw, the world of avian treasures boasts a stunning array of the most expensive birds.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 7 most expensive birds in the world.

7. Grey Crowned Crane (Up to $3,000)

The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum), also known as the African Crowned Crane, is one of the most majestic and beautiful birds in the world. This elegant bird is the national symbol and bird of Uganda, featuring prominently in the country's flag and coat of arms.

Their body plumage is mainly grey, with wings that are predominantly white but contain feathers with a range of colors, including a distinctive black patch at the very top. The sides of their face are white, and they have long legs adapted for wading through grasses.

Due to the rarity of this bird, one would expect to pay as high as $3,000 for this bird.

6. Scarlet Macaw (Up to $4,000)

The Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) is one of the most eye-catching and iconic parrots in the world, known for its vibrant red, blue, and yellow plumage. These magnificent birds can fetch prices of up to $4,000, making them one of the more expensive choices for bird enthusiasts.

Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, the Scarlet Macaw is not only a symbol of the exotic wild but also a cherished pet for those who can afford their high price and extensive care needs.

Scarlet Macaws are large parrots, typically reaching lengths of about 90 cm (35 inches) from head to tail, with a wingspan of around 1 meter (3 feet). Their striking appearance is complemented by their intelligent and social nature.

5. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Around $7,500)

The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), also known as the Banksian or Banks' Black Cockatoo is native to Australia and is easily recognizable by their striking appearance and charismatic personalities.

Male Red-tailed Black Cockatoos are particularly eye-catching, with their glossy black plumage and bright red tail feathers, which they fan out during displays. Females, while not as vividly colored, are equally beautiful with their dark brown or black feathers accented by yellow-orange spots and streaks.

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Their strong bond with their mates and their ability to learn and mimic sounds make them highly desirable pets with a price tag of around $7,500.

4. Toucans (Up to $13,000)

Toucans are known for their vibrant colors and distinctive beaks, making them one of the most recognizable bird species. These birds are native to South America, particularly the Brazilian cerrado, gallery forests, and the Pantanal wetlands.

However, the Toco toucan is known for being the most expensive species of Toucan with prices going as high as $13,000. The Toco toucan's striking appearance includes a black body, white throat, chest, and red under-tail coverts, but it's the massive yellow-orange beak with a black base and large spot on the tip that truly captures attention.

Due to their exotic appeal and unique characteristics, Toco toucans are highly sought after as pets, contributing to their hefty price tag.

3. Black Palm Cockatoo (Up to $19,000)

The Black Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus), also known as the Goliath Cockatoo, is one of the most expensive parrots in the world, with prices ranging from $15,000 to $19,000. The bird can mostly be found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea.

Black Palm Cockatoos are the largest of all cockatoos, weighing between 2-2.6 lbs. They are listed as an endangered species, with a wild population of approximately 3,000. Their rarity and the challenges of breeding them in captivity contribute to their high price.

2. Hyacinth Macaw (Up to $40,000)

The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the most expensive macaw species, with prices reaching up to $40,000. Native to central and eastern South America, particularly Brazil, these birds are known for their stunning vibrant blue feathers and huge size.

This species is the largest flying parrots, measuring around 100 centimeters in length and weighing up to 1.7 kilograms. Their powerful beaks are perfectly adapted for cracking open hard nuts and seeds.

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Similar to the Black Palm Cockatoo, the Hyacinth Macaw is also listed as an endangered species making them hard to own.

1. Racing Pigeon ($1.9 Million)

Unlike other exotic animals on this list, this one looks just like any typical pigeon you see on the street. However, New Kim is a unique racing pigeon from Belgium which shook the world in December 2020 as it was fetched for an astounding $1.9 million.

This remarkable bird was bred and trained by Gaston Van De Wouwer from Belgium. New Kim's record-breaking price is a testament to the growing popularity and high stakes of pigeon racing, especially in China where the sport has gained significant traction.

Racing pigeons, like New Kim, are prized for their speed, endurance, and genetic potential to produce future champions. Despite their high cost, these pigeons are often used for breeding rather than racing, ensuring their valuable genes are passed on to the next generation.

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