A rare Canadian gyrfalcon has been sold for $346,000 at an official auction in Saudi Arabia, recording the second highest price in the history of the event.
The young bird was raised by a Canadian company based in the province of Ontario, according to a report by Wionews. Bidding for the falcon opened at $53,000 before intense competition among prospective buyers rapidly drove the final price into seven digits.
The winning bid was placed by the company Nova Falcon. Shadid Al Rashidi, a representative for the buyer, explained that the high price reflected the bird's extreme rarity, adding that such specimens are considered virtually priceless by falconry specialists and international collectors.
The Canadian breeders achieved further success during the same evening when a purebred gyrfalcon chick was sold for $40,000. That second bidding process started at nearly $11,000, bringing the breeder's total return for the night to $386,000 for two birds.
National records and auction history
The National Falcon Club of Saudi Arabia reported that the purchase represents the most expensive purebred Matlootha gyrfalcon sold anywhere in the world this year. The all-time record for the auction remains with a young ultra-white gyrfalcon that was purchased for $467,000 in 2021.
Falconry is the ancient practice of hunting with trained birds of prey and holds centuries of cultural tradition across Saudi Arabia and the broader Arabian Peninsula. Gyrfalcons, the largest species in the falcon family, are particularly sought after for their strength and speed. Today, a global market connects professional falconers, commercial breeders, and private collectors. A bird's valuation is determined by its lineage, breed, physical traits, rarity, and potential performance in competition.
Falcon racing and global wildlife reports
Competitive sport is a major driver of high auction bids, as birds bought at the event earn eligibility to enter Saudi Arabia's premier falcon racing circuits. Total prize purses across the racing season reach approximately $12.5 million, making high-priced birds valuable prospective athletes rather than simple display items.
In other wildlife developments, UNIAN reported that pink pelicans have returned to the Kakhovka Reservoir for the first time in 150 years. The endangered species was sighted in newly formed wetlands following the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant dam. The agency also reported that a biologist successfully raised an eagle without ever appearing in its line of sight, with the bird later going on to father 70 chicks.
