TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE BIRD SPECIES IN THE WORLD

If you are a bird lover, you might be tempted to buy one of these exotic and beautiful creatures as a pet. But be warned, some of these birds can cost you a fortune. Here are the top nine most expensive birds in the world, and why they are so pricey.

1. Racing Pigeons – $9000 – $1.4 Million

You might think that pigeons are boring and common, but racing pigeons are a different breed. They have a long and fascinating history of being used by armies to deliver messages, and today they compete in races that can have huge cash prizes. However, there is also a dark side to this sport, where some races can be deadly for the birds. Maybe that's why they are so expensive.

2. Palm or Goliath Cockatoo – $16,000 USD

These stunning birds can change their colors from black to red, depending on their mood. The spots on their cheeks can also change color when they are excited. They are native to New Guinea, but they are also kept as pets by rich people around the world. They can live up to 90 years, which means they can outlive their owners, like many other large birds.

3. Hyacinth Macaw – $7,000-$40,000 dollars

The hyacinth macaw is a gorgeous bird with blue feathers and yellow cheeks. It is the most sought-after parrot in the world, and also the most endangered, according to the IUCN. It is easy to see why people love them, but they are also very smart and have a lot of personality. They are easy to train, but they are also very expensive to feed and care for. And if you decide to get one of these rare pets, be careful, because they can crack coconuts with their powerful beaks.

4. Toucan – $8,000 dollars

The toucan is famous for its large and colorful beak, which makes it one of the most recognizable birds in the world. There are 40 species of toucans, and they are all very unique and beautiful. They are tropical birds that live in the rainforest, but they are also very noisy and loud, so they might not be the best pets for a quiet home. You might also need a large enclosure for them, because they like to fly and hop around.

5. Rooster Ayam Jemani – $2,500 dollars

This is a chicken that is all about the color. The Ayam Jemani is a black chicken. And we mean black. Its feathers, eyes, meat, skin, and even bones are all black. The only thing that is not black is its blood, and we are sure that if the breeders could find a way to make it black, they would. They are called the "Lamborghinis" of the chicken world, and their price reflects that.

6. Flamingo – $1,000 dollars

Flamingos are famous for their pink color, which comes from their diet of shrimp and other crustaceans. They are also very good swimmers, and they can fly up to 35 miles per hour, which is impressive for a bird that looks so awkward with its long legs. Flamingos are happier in the wild, where they live in large flocks, so keeping one as a pet might not be a good idea. Besides, they are very expensive, and you might be better off with a plastic one for your lawn.

7. Scarlet Tanager – $900

The scarlet tanager is a bright red bird that lives in North America. It is not as famous as its cousin, the cardinal, but it is still very beautiful and attractive. However, we are not sure why they are so expensive, because they are not very rare or exotic. Maybe it is because they are hard to catch, or maybe it is because they are just cute.

8. Northern Oriole – $850 USD+

The northern oriole is a yellow bird that is a hybrid of two other orioles, the Baltimore oriole and the Bollock's oriole. They are mostly found in America, but they have also been spotted in Europe, Ireland, and England, which is quite a feat for such a small bird. They are known to be a tricky species, because they can interbreed with other orioles and create more hybrids.

9. Mountain Bluebird – $850 USD

The mountain bluebird is a bird that has a mesmerizing blue color that almost glows. It is one of the reasons why they are so popular and expensive. They are not very high maintenance, unlike some of the other birds on this list, but they are still very rare and hard to find. They are also very shy and timid, so they might not be the best pets for someone who wants a lot of interaction.

10. Northern Cardinal – $800 dollars

Small, bright red and so full of life, these little red birds have an intriguing history. Native Americans in some areas believed that they were responsible for delivering messages to our ancestors on the other side. Perhaps this explains the ridiculous cost of purchasing them.