10 Most Expensive Pet Birds in the World (With Pictures)

The 10 Most Expensive Pet Birds

1.Racing Pigeons

One of the priciest birds to own is actually a pigeon. Unlike their more common relatives, racing pigeons have a prestigious role in the world of gambling.

In certain regions, pigeon racing is a major industry, and a speedy pigeon can be worth a significant sum. This is why enthusiasts are often willing to spend enormous amounts of money on these exceptional birds. For instance, in 2019, a particularly swift pigeon named Armando was sold for a staggering $1.4 million!

It’s hard to stay annoyed if a pigeon leaves a mess on your car when it’s worth far more than the vehicle itself.

 2.Hyacinth Macaws

These South American birds are among the most stunning on the planet, with their brilliant blue feathers and striking yellow accents around their eyes and beak. They are also the largest flying parrots in the world, which contributes to their high price tag—sometimes reaching up to $40,000.

However, Hyacinth Macaws are becoming increasingly endangered, and owning one might not be legal in your area. Even if you have $40,000 to spend, you’d be better off investing in a quality pair of binoculars and booking a trip to Brazil to see these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

3. Toucans

These large-billed birds are some of the most vividly colored animals in the world. With over 40 species to choose from, each one commands a high price. It’s not unusual for these birds to sell for $7,000 or more.

4.Goliath Cockatoos

These striking black parrots, also known as Palm Cockatoos, originate from New Guinea. Their high price is partly due to the challenges of transporting them from their native habitat. With an exceptionally large bill—second only to the Hyacinth Macaw among parrots—and a remarkable range of vocalizations, including many that mimic human sounds, they are truly impressive.

A single Goliath Cockatoo can cost $16,000 or more. The good news is that, with a lifespan of up to 90 years in captivity, they offer a long-term companion for your investment.

5.Ayam Cemani Chickens

Ayam Cemani chickens are strikingly black all over, not just on their feathers but extending to their skin, meat, and even their bones. This deep pigmentation is rare and intriguing. Additionally, they are notoriously challenging to breed, which contributes to their high cost. A single hen can fetch as much as $2,500.

6. Flamingos

Nothing signals opulence quite like having a flock of flamingos gracing your property. With each flamingo costing up to $1,500, it’s clear that you’re enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.

Flamingos primarily feed on shrimp and a unique type of red algae, which might give your property a fishy aroma. However, you might find this preferable to the notorious stench of their droppings, which are widely considered the most unpleasant among bird species.

7.White Peacocks

Peacocks are famous for their dazzling, multicolored plumage, showcasing nearly every hue imaginable. However, the priciest peacocks are quite different—they are entirely white, lacking any color at all.

This striking white coloration is the result of a recessive mutation known as leucism, and these rare birds can fetch around $1,000 each. Since they aren't found in the wild, you'll need to purchase one from a breeder rather than trying to catch one yourself.

8.Scarlet Tanagers

The Scarlet Tanager is a medium-sized bird known for its powerful and melodious singing, which contributes to its high market value of $900 or more.

These birds are also visually stunning, featuring vibrant crimson bodies with black feathers on their wings and tails. While Scarlet Tanagers are naturally clean and tidy, their diet primarily consists of insects such as termites, bees, and wasps, so you might want to avoid bringing their lunch into your 

home.

9.Mountain Bluebirds

There are three species of bluebirds, but the mountain bluebird is the most sought-after and expensive, often costing over $800 each. This high price is due to their rarity and difficulty in capturing, as they inhabit elevations of 7,000 feet or higher and are typically found in colder climates.

These small birds have striking blue heads and shoulders that gradually blend into white as you move down their bodies. They are known for their friendly nature and willingness to use nest boxes, so if you live in the right area, you might be able to enjoy their presence without any cost.

10. Northern Orioles

This migratory species is a big fruit eater, and they prefer incredibly ripe, dark fruits like mulberries and cherries. They’re known for being picky eaters, so don’t get your feelings hurt if they turn up their beaks at the meals you offer them.

Then again, after paying $800 or more for one of these birds, you’d think they’d show a little more gratitude!