Second Rare Falcon Fetches Over Dh1 Million at Adihex Auction

A rare falcon was sold for Dh1.1 million ($300,000) on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex). This Gyr Pure Ultra White falcon chick marked the second bird to exceed the Dh1 million milestone during this year's event, following the sale of a rare pure-white Gyrfalcon for Dh1.5 million ($408,440) on Saturday.

Both raptors were bred in the US by the Mark Moglich farm, a facility that specializes in producing high-end birds of prey such as snow-white Arctic Gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, Gyr-peregrine hybrids, and Russian Siberian goshawks.

The newly sold falcon weighs 1,460 grams, measures 18.5 inches in length, and boasts an 18.5-inch wingspan. Gyrfalcons remain in high demand due to their exceptional hunting capabilities and scarcity, frequently commanding massive prices at both auctions and private sales.

Renowned for unmatched speed, precision, size, and heat tolerance, these birds represent elite status symbols throughout the Middle East. Furthermore, their potential to win regional hunting contests with substantial financial rewards continues to drive up market demand and prices.

Producing top-tier raptors demands years of specialized breeding knowledge and international care across farms located in Europe and the US. Previously, the record for the most expensive pure mottled Gyrfalcon sold at auction reached $467,000 in 2021 at the International Falcon Breeders Auction held in Riyadh.