With so many bird species out there, there are only a few that are worth every penny to have. Some of these majestic birds are already endangered and if you do get the chance to own one, you should be prepared to shell out a few thousand bucks.
Here are the top 10 most expensive birds in the world.
Northern Cardinals - $1,000
If you're looking for a unique pet bird that can be a great addition to your home, a northern cardinal might be the one for you.'
This species of songbird is known for its bright red plumage and distinct black face mask. They're popular pets because of their friendly nature.
Most northern cardinals are sold for up to $800 and some even reach up to $1,000 depending on their sex, age, and rarity. Aside from their friendly personality, they are also easy to take care of.
Mountain Bluebirds - $850
Mountain bluebirds are small colorful songbirds found in North America. They got their names from their distinct blue feathers with white bellies and black wings.
They are rare birds and can only be found in specific areas in North America which drives their prices as high as $850.
If you want to own one, make sure that you provide them with adequate shelter as they will need protection from predators like cats and hawks.
Scarlet Tanagers - $950
Scarlet tanagers are brightly-colored migratory birds that can be found along the eastern coastline of the United States up to Canada.
They are sought after due to their vibrant colors and graceful flight. While they can be very difficult to find due to their migratory nature, they are also expensive and rare.
One scarlet tanager can cost you around $950. They also require special care when kept in captivity and will need plenty of space to fly around.
White Peacocks - $1,000
White peacocks are a rare breed of the common peafowl which is commonly found in India and Sri Lanka.
They usually have white feathers and black eyes and beaks. They also have a very distinct crest of feathers above their heads and are considered one of the most expensive birds due to their rarity and beauty.
It's like owning an albino peacock, but with a $1,000 price tag on it.
Flamingos - $1,500
A single glance at this bird reveals it's one of the most expensive in the world. The flamingo has a very distinct pink or orange plumage and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world.
They are very social creatures and you barely see one being alone. Flamingos are expensive as they require a specific diet of shrimp, mollusks, and other aquatic invertebrates which can be difficult to find if you live outside these regions.
If you truly want to own a flamingo and you want to have a whole flock of them, be prepared to shell out at least $1,500 for each bird.
Ayam Cemani Chickens - $2,500
Ayam cemani chickens are one of the rarest and most expensive birds in the whole world. They are characterized by their distinct black feathers, skin, meat, organs, and even bones.
The reason why it has its black color is a condition called fibromelanosis where they produce an excessive amount of melanin which gives them the color.
They are valued in many communities as a symbol of wealth and luck and are known to produce high-quality eggs and meat. One ayam cenami chicken can cost around $2,500.
Toucans - $8,000
Toucans are widely recognized for their vibrant colors and large beaks, but they are also among the most expensive birds in the world.
They are expensive since they require specialized care and must be kept in a very large enclosure where they can fly freely. Toucans also require a specific diet which can be expensive to maintain.
If you want to own a toucan, you must have all the things that it requires to live a fruitful life and pay the $8,000 price tag .
Hyacinth Macaws - $20,000
Hyacinth macaws are native to South America and are one of the largest parrots in the world as they can grow up to be three feet in length. They have striking blue feathers and yellow colorations around their eyes and beaks.
These birds are commonly sought after as pets due to their intelligence and magnificent beauty. They are also quite rare thus making them one of the most expensive birds in the world.
One sold for $15,000 and can reach as high as $20,000, depending on the bird's age and condition. Hyacinth macaws require special diets and a lot of attention, and plenty of space to fly around.
Black Palm Cockatoos - $19,000
Also known as goliath cockatoos, black palm cockatoos are parrot species native to Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. They are considered one of the largest parrot breeds in the world with most males reaching up to 70cm and can weigh as much as 1kg.
They are also considered endangered species due to loss of habitat and illegal trapping. This made the black palm cockatoo one of the most expensive birds in the world with a price tag of around $19,000.
The bird's rarity is not the only reason why it is so expensive. Its living requirements such as a large cage, specialized diet, and need for enrichment activities can be attributed to its cost.
Racing Pigeons - $225,000 - $1.8 million
Racing pigeons are commonly bred for their speed and endurance. They are usually used in competitive racing events where they are released from a specific location and fly back to their home loft.
These pigeons often fly up to 100 miles per hour. Since they are bred for competition, racing pigeons need to be raised properly. They require a lot of time, effort, money, and patience to train these creatures.
One specific racing pigeon was sold at $1.8 million in 2019 and in the same auction, another racing pigeon named Contador was sold for $225,000.
Conclusion
Many of the world's most expensive birds are some of the rarest and most exotic species on the planet. They are highly sought out by collectors and bird enthusiasts for their rarity and beauty.
