Pet parrot breeds differ in colors, sizes, behaviors, ability to mimic human sounds, and more importantly, the price.
Here Are The 5 Most Expensive Parrot Breeds
- Black Palm Cockatoo: 15.000 to 20.000 USD
- Hyacinth macaw: 10.000 to 15.000 USD
- Major Mitchells Cockatoo: 5.000 to 10.000 USD
- Scarlet Macaw: 3.000 to 4.000 USD
- Galah Cockatoo: 2.500 to 3.500 USD
This list for the most expensive parrots is only an estimation. There are some exceptional cases that these parrots will sell for much higher prices, just like the hybrid parrots that can go up to one million dollars, and those are not on this list.
Black Palm Cockatoo
The Black Palm cockatoo is native to northern Queensland, Australia. This type is the largest among Cockatoos, weighing about 2-2.6 lbs. It’s also listed as an endangered species, facing a very high risk of extinction, with a wild population of approximately 3000 individuals and decreasing.
This parrot is very rare and because of his rough temperament he is not a good fit for individual owners, cages and rooms are not enough for this bird, he needs something as big as a backyard only for himself, So, It’s common to see this bird only in zoos and aviaries.
Black palm Cockatoo is expensive, because of the rarity of this breed in the parrot trade industry. Besides that, this breed has the lowest reproducing success rate in captivity.
Hyacinth Macaw
The Hyacinth macaw, or the gentle giant, is native to South America. It’s the biggest parrot breed out there weighing about 2.6-3.7 lbs. This breed is vulnerable and facing a high risk of extinction, with a wild population of 6500 individuals, and decreasing.
And because of the calm, cuddly, and friendly temperament of this parrot, it’s more common to see him as a pet. Although it requires a lot of experience from the owner to get a parrot from this lovely breed. Hyacinth macaw is expensive, mostly because of its rarity, both in the wild and in captivity.
Major Mitchells Cockatoo
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo is native to Australia. This parrot weighs roughly about 1 lb, and luckily, this breed is not endangered, and the total population in the wild is over 50.000 individuals.
Although these fortunate numbers in the wild, is still expensive parrot, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos have a demand from parrot lovers because of their lovely white-pink coloration, and their lovely personalities.
This breed is one of the rarest breeds in the market, and the demand is higher than the supply, so higher prices make sense.
Scarlet Macaw
Scarlet Macaw is a relatively cheap parrot, but it’s still one of the most expensive parrots compared to other breeds, like Quaker, Lori, and African greys. there are fewer than 1500 individuals in the wild. And about 50.000 individuals in captivity.
This parrot is native to Central America and weighs about 2.3 lbs. This breed can make a good pet. They are smart, friendly, and they can easily get trained and learn tricks.
Galah Cockatoo
Galah Cockatoo is a mid-sized parrot, native to Australia, and weighs between 280-400 grams. luckily this breed is increasing in the wild, though it’s still one of the most expensive parrots out there.
This breed of parrot can make the best pet parrot. They are friendly, lovely, and playful.
If you found a Galah Cockatoo breeder, you can buy one at a price of 1200-1500 USD, which is lesser than the average market price.
Why Parrots are Expensive
You can find a parrot that costs something like 10-30 dollars, and you can find parrots that are more expensive, and cost as high as $16.000. This difference in prices between different species of parrots depends on many factors.
There are many factors that get involved in determining how expensive the parrot is, like the age, training level, breed, skill, and ability to talk, how active is the parrot, is it 100% tamed and well-socialized, is he free flight trained or not.
Also, the rarity, the attention and care required to reproduce, the breeder experience, and preferences, the demand for the breed, these factors are all involved in raising the price.
Also, some species of parrots have a law reproducing success rate, so the breeder won’t sell the bird for a lower price, the same also for baby parrots when they hatch. They need a lot of care to grow healthy, which will affect and increase the price.
Finding breeders with experience is more likely to sell healthier parrots than inexperienced breeders, so it’s reasonable to sell them to stores for a higher price.
The place where you will buy is the most important factor, so don’t buy from a random pet store, and find a breeder. Breeders are going to offer you lower prices, sometimes down to 50% low.
Legislation in many countries also plays an important role in the increase of prices.
Recommended Further Reading:
Do Parrots Cry?
Why Are Parrots So Expensive? (Detailed)
The 5 Cheapest Parrots
Related Questions
What Is The Most Expensive Type Of Parrots?
The most expensive types of parrots are the black palm cockatoo (goliath Cockatoo) and the hyacinth macaw. These two breeds have less than 15,000 wild individuals, and their prices can go as high as 20.000 US Dollars.
Which Macaw Is Expensive?
Hyacinth macaw is the most expensive macaw out there, with a price range between 10,000 and 15,000 Us Dollars.
What Is The Most Expensive Cockatoo?
The most expensive cockatoo is the Goliath cockatoo or the black palm cockatoo, with a price ranging between 15,000 and 20,000.
In Conclusion
Remember that these prices are only for the bird on its own. The cost can go up to $500 at the lower end to get a cage, larger cages can cost up to $3000. Food treats and cleaning supplies cost around $100 on a monthly basis. Vet visits and treatments can cost between $200 and $1000 depending on the situation. So it’s better to have Medical insurance for your parrot.
And for parrots, medical insurance can cost you to pay between $10 and $50 per month, and never about the training courses that can cost $6000, especially if you got your parrot at a later age. So, and as advice, try to buy the parrot while he still needs you to hand feed him, thus the parrot will grow up to be 100% tamed, bonded and reliant on you, and you can save the training course fees, eventually.
Hello, my name is sadeq and I am obsessed about parrot And I am here to share everything about raising pet parrots and how to be good owners to your bird.
