6 Most Expensive Pet Birds With Some Truly Cuckoo Prices

Pet birds can come with a hefty price tag. But what are the most expensive pet birds that you can keep in your home? Six fancy bird breeds made the list, including the African gray parrot and hyacinth macaw. Discover which expensive bird topped the chart at $20,000, and see if you think they are worth the price.

Even though the Eclectus parrot is relatively small at 12 inches tall, these birds are pretty pricy. This parrot species is unique because they're dimorphic, which means the males are green, and the females are red with purple undersides. Because of their vibrant coloring, female Eclectus parrots generally cost more than males. Owners say they're well worth the price because these birds make excellent companions.

The African gray is one of the most well-known talking birds, and owners are willing to spend big bucks for them. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 for an African gray parrot depending on the bird's age, demand, transport, and the bird's subspecies (Timneh vs. Congo).

If the vibrant color of the rose-breasted cockatoo doesn't stun you, their price will. This beautiful pink parrot costs between $2,500 and $5,000. Sometimes called the galah cockatoo, the rose-breasted isn't as widely available as the more common cockatoo species. These birds are also known for being high-maintenance and noisy, so put a lot of thought into whether they are the right bird for you.

Bright, beautiful, and expensive to boot, the hyacinth macaw is a highly sought-after bird. It is the world's largest parrot at 40 inches tall, as well as one of the most expensive. A hyacinth macaw costs between $8,000 and $12,000. Hyacinth macaws are listed as a vulnerable species, so their transport may be regulated. If you are able to keep one as a pet, know they're incredibly intelligent birds who can live up to 60 years.

Can you keep a toucan as a pet? Yes, toucan, but this expensive bird will cost you at least $10,000 to $12,000. Toucans are known for their large and brightly colored beaks. Unfortunately, they aren't legal to own in every country or U.S. state, and even in areas where they are legal, you'll often have to acquire an exotic pet license. Toucans can be difficult to keep, so only consider this pricy pet if you're a very experienced bird keeper.

Without feather ado, the title of most expensive pet bird goes to ... the black palm cockatoo! Also known as the Goliath cockatoo, this bird is stunning in addition to being incredibly expensive. Instead of having white feathers like you may be used to seeing on cockatoos, the black palm variety has striking smoky gray feathers with bright red patches on their cheeks.

This large cockatoo is very rare, which explains why they cost as much as $20,000. If you're able to swing the high price tag for this fancy bird, you can expect to spend quite a bit on an enclosure, too. Black palm cockatoos need very large cages or an aviary to thrive. And just like their common cockatoo cousins, they require a lot of attention.

Breeding large birds can be difficult and costly, which adds to the price of these pets. Availability has also been an issue, as fewer breeders take on the task of raising many larger birds. You can expect to pay significantly more for rare species or those in high demand. If you're interested in a pet bird, there are several more common and less expensive types you can choose from that still make excellent companions. But if you have your heart set on one of these expensive pet birds, you could consider adopting, which will reduce the price and allow you to rescue a pet in need.