Parrots are one of the most popular pets in the world, known for their vibrant colors and talkative nature. However, some species of parrots can be quite expensive, costing thousands of dollars.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 most expensive parrots in the world, based on estimated global prices. We will delve into their distinct features, pricing ranges, and factors that contribute to their high cost.
You are reading: Discover The Top 10 Most Expensive Parrots In The World
It’s worth noting that the demand for these birds as pets greatly affects their wild populations, with many of them on the brink of getting extinct from the face of the earth.
Top 10 Most Expensive Parrots In The World
Black Palm Cockatoo
The Black Palm Cockatoo is the largest of the Australian cockatoos, known for its intelligence and powerful beak. These majestic birds measure about 20 inches (51 cm) in length and weigh between 31 and 42 ounces (910-1200 g).
Males and females have an identical appearance, so DNA testing is required to determine their gender. They are almost entirely black, with bare crimson cheek patches.
Due to their rarity in the pet trade, Black Palm Cockatoos are considered a serious investment in both time and money. The cost of acquiring one of these birds can range from $15,000 to $19,000 on average, with some exceptional cases reaching even higher prices.
In addition to the initial cost, owners should be prepared for the expenses of a large enclosure, accessories, feeding a bird of this size, and beak and nail trimming.
While they are not as affectionate as other cockatoos, Black Palm Cockatoos still require regular interaction with their owners due to their sociable nature. These birds are most suitable for experienced bird owners who can provide the necessary care and attention they require.
Hyacinth Macaw
The Hyacinth Macaw, also known as the hyacinthine macaw, is the largest of all parrots and is native to central and eastern South America. It is also the largest flying parrot species, measuring up to 40 inches (1 meter) in length from the top of its head to the tip of its long pointed tail.
The Hyacinth Macaw is often referred to as the “Great Dane” of companion birds, and its mature male can reach over 40 inches in length. These birds are known for their stunning cobalt blue color all over their body, with a ring of bright yellow around their eye and the same color yellow at the base and the corners of their beak.
Hyacinth Macaws are intelligent, even-tempered, and can be calmer than other macaws. They are also known for their ability to mimic human speech.
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However, they are a rare and threatened species that should be kept only by a very dedicated owner who can provide for their needs that are as large as the bird itself.
These birds require a lot of space, attention, and a specialized diet that includes nuts from native palms, such as acuri and bocaiuva palms, as well as fruits and vegetables.
Due to their rarity and high demand, the cost of acquiring a Hyacinth Macaw can range from $7,000 to $12,000 on average. However, it’s worth noting that the demand for these birds as pets greatly affects their wild populations, with many of them on the brink of getting extinct from the face of the earth.
Blue and Gold Macaw
The Blue and Gold Macaw, also known as the Blue and Yellow Macaw, is a large and striking South American parrot.
These birds have a mostly blue dorsum, a light yellow/orange venter, and gradient hues of green on top of their head. They are part of the neotropical parrot group known as macaws. Blue and Gold Macaws inhabit forests, woodlands, and savannahs in tropical South America.
– Appearance: Blue and Gold Macaws are approximately 35 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 45 inches. They have a green strip of feathers just above their black beak and a partially naked face that can blush pink when they are excited. Their feet are dark gray or black, and they have a black “beard” of feathers.
– Personality: These birds are beautiful, captivating, intelligent, and majestic. They are known for their sociability, even temperament, and sweet disposition, making them great pets for those who can handle a large parrot that demands attention. Blue and Gold Macaws are also highly intelligent, willing to learn, and have the ability to mimic human speech.
– Availability and Cost: Blue and Gold Macaws have been successfully bred in the United States since 1935, making them readily available from breeders. Their prevalence has also made them one of the more affordable large parrots. The cost of acquiring a Blue and Gold Macaw can range from $7,000 to $10,000 on average.
– Threatened Status: While Blue and Gold Macaws are not currently considered a threatened species, the demand for these birds as pets greatly affects their wild populations, with many of them on the brink of extinction. It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
Green Wing Macaw
The Green Wing Macaw, also known as the Green Winged Macaw or the Red-and-Green Macaw, is a large, mostly-red macaw of the genus Ara, and the largest of the genus Ara. These birds are widespread in the forests and woodlands of northern and central South America.
Here are some key facts about the Green Wing Macaw:
Appearance:
– These birds are a deep vibrant red on the head, shoulders, and breast with a greenish band below the shoulders and wings.
– The green band transitions to dark blue on the wings, and there is light blue on the rump and on the tail feathers.
– They have a blue back and rump, and their wings are blue with dark green upper.
– Their face is white and striped with small red feathers, and both male and female birds have the same coloration.
– They have a large, hooked beak that is whitish on the upper part while the lower beak is black.
Personality:
– Green Wing Macaws are tame and affectionate with a usually even, easy-going disposition.
– They are friendly and require a couple of hours of interaction with their owners every day.
– These birds are highly intelligent and can learn to speak words and do tricks.
– They are highly responsive to training and must be given adequate attention and bonding time due to their social natures.
Availability and Cost:
– Green Wing Macaws are readily available from breeders.
– The cost of acquiring a Green Wing Macaw can range from $5,000 to $7,000 on average.
Threatened Status:
– While Green Wing Macaws are not currently considered a threatened species, the demand for these birds as pets greatly affects their wild populations, with many of them on the brink of extinction.
– It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
Scarlet Macaw
The Scarlet Macaw is a large, brightly colored parrot native to humid evergreen forests of the Americas.
Here are some key facts about the Scarlet Macaw:
Appearance:
– Scarlet Macaws are brightly colored birds with feathers ranging in color bands from scarlet on their head and shoulders, to yellow on their back and mid-wing feathers and blue on the wing tips and tail feathers.
– They have a creamy white, almost featherless face, with bright red plumage covering most of their body, wings, and long tail.
– The bird’s strong beak is adapted to breaking hard nuts found in the rainforest.
– Scarlet Macaws are approximately 33 inches long, with a wingspan of up to 47 inches.
Personality:
– Scarlet Macaws are intelligent, social, and highly trainable.
– They are known for their playful and affectionate personalities, making them great pets for those who can handle a large parrot that demands attention.
– These birds are highly responsive to training and must be given adequate attention and bonding time due to their social natures.
Availability and Cost:
– Scarlet Macaws are readily available from breeders.
– The cost of acquiring a Scarlet Macaw can range from $2,500 to $5,000 on average.
Threatened Status:
– While Scarlet Macaws are not currently considered a threatened species, the demand for these birds as pets greatly affects their wild populations, with many of them on the brink of extinction.
– It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
African Grey Parrot
The African Grey Parrot, also known as the Grey Parrot, is a medium-sized parrot native to the rainforests of central Africa. Here are some key facts about the African Grey Parrot:
Appearance:
– African Grey Parrots have silver feathers, a white mask, and a bright, reddish tail.
– Males and females are very similar in appearance.
– They are not as colorful as other parrots, but they are among the smartest birds in the world.
Personality:
– African Grey Parrots are highly intelligent and have cognitive skills equal to that of a five-year-old child.
– They are known for their ability to mimic human speech and are considered the greatest mimic of human speech among the 350 or so known parrot species.
– These birds are sociable and need mental stimulation, but they are usually not cuddlers.
Availability and Cost:
– African Grey Parrots are readily available from breeders.
– The cost of acquiring an African Grey Parrot can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more on average.
Threatened Status:
– Due to recent years of illegal trading and habitat loss, African Grey Parrots have been classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
– It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
Cockatoo
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Cockatoos are a family of parrots that belong to the family Cacatuidae, the only family in the superfamily Cacatuoidea. Along with the Psittacoidea (true parrots) and the Strigopoidea (large New Zealand parrots), they make up the order Psittaciformes.
There are 21 different species of cockatoos, all of which are recognizable with their showy crests and curved bills. Here are some key facts about cockatoos:
Appearance:
– Cockatoos have a range of appearances, but they are all recognizable by their showy crests and curved bills.
– They range in size from the small cockatiel to the large palm and red-tailed black cockatoos.
– Cockatoos have a mainly Australasian distribution, ranging from the Philippines and the eastern Indonesian islands of Wallacea to New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Australia.
Personality:
– Cockatoos are highly sociable and affectionate birds, often referred to as “velcro” birds due to their need to be around the people in their lives.
– They are intelligent and emotional birds that require significant mental stimulation and regular love and attention.
– Cockatoos are highly trainable and can learn to mimic human speech and perform tricks.
Availability and Cost:
– Cockatoos are readily available from breeders.
– The cost of acquiring a cockatoo can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more on average, depending on the species.
Threatened Status:
– While some species of cockatoos are not currently considered threatened, others are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trading.
– It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
Derbyan Parakeet
The Derbyan Parakeet, also known as Lord Derby’s Parakeet, is a unique and beautiful species of parrot native to the hilly and mountainous regions of India, Tibet, and China.
Here are some key facts about the Derbyan Parakeet:
Appearance:
– Derbyan Parakeets are sexually dimorphic, with males and females having different appearances.
– Males have a mostly green plumage over their dorsal surface, black lores and lower cheeks, a bluish-purple crown, and pale yellow eyes.
– Females have a similar appearance but with a duller plumage and a brown iris.
– Both males and females have a lilac breast and abdomen, emerald green nape, back, and wings, and large yellow-green patches on the wings.
– The tapered tail feathers are shades of green, some edged with blue.
Personality:
– Derbyan Parakeets are known for their docile and friendly personalities.
– They are intelligent and can learn to mimic human speech and perform tricks.
– These birds require significant mental stimulation and regular love and attention.
Availability and Cost:
– Derbyan Parakeets are not as commonly available as other parrot species, but they can be found from reputable breeders.
– The cost of acquiring a Derbyan Parakeet can range from $1,500 to $2,000 on average.
Threatened Status:
– Derbyan Parakeets are not currently considered a threatened species, but they are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.
– It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
Amazon Parrot
Amazon Parrots are medium-sized, short-tailed parrots native to the Americas, with their range extending from South America to Mexico and the Caribbean. They are part of the family Psittacidae, one of three families of true parrots, and contain about thirty species.
Here are some key facts about Amazon Parrots:
Appearance:
– Most Amazon Parrots are predominantly green, with accenting colors that depend on the species, and they can be quite vivid.
– They range in size from 10 to 20 inches and weigh between 1 to 2 pounds.
– Amazon Parrots have a slightly erectile crown feather and a rather short, squared tail.
– Their predominantly green plumage is marked with other bright colors, chiefly on the head and neck.
Personality:
– Amazon Parrots are intelligent and sociable birds with many striking wild type color variations.
– They are often described as boisterous, playful, and outgoing, and some even like to sing.
– These birds are highly trainable and can learn to mimic human speech and perform tricks.
Availability and Cost:
– Amazon Parrots are popular as pets, and a small industry has developed in breeding parrots in captivity for this market.
– Amazon Parrots are readily available from breeders and some pet shops.
– The cost of acquiring an Amazon Parrot can range from $700 to $2,000 on average.
Threatened Status:
– While Amazon Parrots are not currently considered a threatened species, the demand for these birds as pets greatly affects their wild populations, with many of them on the brink of extinction.
– It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
Blue-Eyed Cockatoo
The Blue-Eyed Cockatoo is a large, mainly white cockatoo with a mobile crest, a black beak, and a light blue rim of featherless skin around each eye that gives this species its name.
Here are some key facts about the Blue-Eyed Cockatoo:
Appearance:
– The Blue-Eyed Cockatoo is a large bird, with an average length of 20 inches (50 centimeters).
– They are mainly white with an erectile yellow and white crest, a black beak, dark grey legs, and a light blue rim of featherless skin around each eye.
– The sexes are very similar in appearance, with some males having dark brown irises and some females having reddish-brown irises, but this small difference is not always reliable as a gender indicator.
Personality:
– The Blue-Eyed Cockatoo is known to be one of the friendliest and most playful of the Cockatoos.
– They are intelligent and require significant mental stimulation and regular love and attention.
– These birds are highly trainable and can learn to mimic human speech and perform tricks.
Availability and Cost:
– The Blue-Eyed Cockatoo is extremely rare, and it is not commonly available from breeders.
– The cost of acquiring a Blue-Eyed Cockatoo can range from $5,000 to $10,000 on average.
Threatened Status:
– The Blue-Eyed Cockatoo is endemic to New Britain, where it occurs throughout the island in humid lowland and foothill forests up to around 1,000 m elevation.
– While they are not currently considered a threatened species, their rarity and habitat loss make them vulnerable to extinction.
FAQS
1. Why are parrots so expensive?
Parrots are expensive due to their unique characteristics, such as their vibrant colors, talkative skills, and intelligence. Additionally, some species are rare and difficult to breed in captivity, which drives up their price.
2. Are these parrots legal to own as pets?
Yes, these parrots are legal to own as pets in most countries. However, it is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
3. What is the average cost of these parrots?
The cost of these parrots varies depending on the species, with prices ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
4. Are these parrots suitable for first-time bird owners?
Most of these parrots are not suitable for first-time bird owners due to their high maintenance needs and demanding personalities. They require significant mental stimulation and regular love and attention.
5. Are these parrots endangered?
Some of these parrots are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trading, while others are not currently considered threatened. It is important to ensure that the birds available for purchase are from reputable breeders and not taken from the wild.
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Category: Birds
