If you are interested in purchasing a bird for your home, you have likely found several hundred species available, and sorting through them all can be a huge challenge. It can be helpful to break the birds into smaller categories, like most colorful birds, smallest birds, etc. We are going to list the most expensive parrots, so you’ll know what to avoid if your budget is limited, and you’ll also see the best of the best of pet birds. The kind of colorful talking birds only deep pockets can give you.
If you are interested in raising parrots in your home, keep reading while we list the most expensive species you can buy.
What Makes These Birds So Expensive?
You’ll find that the most expensive kinds are closely in line with the largest birds when it comes to parrots. Besides the high cost of the bird, these animals require large cages that can cost several hundred dollars and take up nearly an entire room. Besides the one-time cost of the cage, the continuous cost of food and toys will be many times that of a small bird like a Parakeet or a Finch and considering that these birds can live more than 50 years in many cases, you are looking at a small fortune. Medical expenses and grooming costs will also be higher due to their large size.
The 5 Most Expensive Parrots
1. African Grey Parrot
Image Credit: TheOtherKev, Pixabay
African Grey Parrot
Size: 13 inches
Cost: $500–$8,000
The African Grey Parrot is usually a little over one foot tall and can cost between $500 and $2,500, depending on your location and current demand. While the popularity of these birds is increasing in the United States, we didn’t find too many bargains. Many of the Grey Parrots we found for sale were more than $2,000, with some reaching as high as $8,000. Though a grey parrot might sound dull compared to other species, the African Grey has captivating ruffles around the neck and breast, and the tail feathers are bright red. Breeders have also created a red version of the African Grey, but we were unable to find any for sale at the time of this writing.
The Amazon Parrot is one of the most colorful birds you can buy, and it’s capable of learning words and mimicking sounds it hears. While some can be as small as 10 inches, most will grow much larger, and it’s not uncommon to find an Amazon Parrot that stands 20 inches tall. These birds are a little more popular due to their bright colors, and you can sometimes find them for as low as $800, especially if you check with your local animal shelters. However, reputable breeders usually cost more than $2,000, with some fetching a much as $5,000.
3. Cockatoos
Image Credit: Pixabay
Cockatoos
Size: 12–24 inches
Cost: $1,200–$8,000
Cockatoos are another talking bird that you can get in several color variations. These birds love being around people and make fantastic pets. They often stand on your shoulder and head and can live more than 50 years. Some will stand only one foot tall, while the average is closer to two feet. You can sometimes find one of these birds for around $1,200, but it will most likely cost about $3,000. Some breeders can get as much as $8,000 for the right cockatoo.
4. Eclectus Parrot
Image Credit: Pixabay
Eclectus Parrot
Size: 12–15 inches
Cost: $800–$4,000
The Eclectus Parrot is extremely attractive and sexually dimorphic. The males are usually a bright green while the females are red. The females can also have purple, yellow, and orange colors mixed in, making for an extremely colorful parrot. While these birds are rarer than most of the others on this list, it’s also one of the least expensive, and you can usually purchase a male for around $800. The colorful females will be closer to $3,000, and there may be a long waiting list driving up costs.
5. Macaws
Image Credit: Angie Toh, Pixabay
Macaws
Size: 33 inches
Cost: $2,000–$6,000
Macaws are another large and colorful bird. These are one of the largest on this list and often grow to nearly three feet tall. There are more than a dozen Macaw species and many hybrids, so you can choose from a wide range of colors and patterns. They are popular with breeders because they can create hybrids, so it’s usually not difficult to find one willing to create one for you, but they will still be one of the most expensive birds on this list, with most fetching more than $4,000.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, large parrots like the Macaw will likely cost you more than $5,000 to get started making it one of the most expensive pets you can own, even rivaling a horse. However, if you have the budget, these birds can learn to say several words and have an unbelievably long lifespan, so they make a fantastic companion that truly becomes part of the family.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and it has helped narrow down your search for the perfect bird. If you are thinking about purchasing one of these large birds for your home, please share this guide to the most expensive parrots to keep as pets on Facebook and Twitter.
Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. When he’s not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. He’s also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
