Rare Gyrfalcon sells for Dh1.5 million at Adihex

A rare pure-white Gyrfalcon, the most expensive bird ever sold at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex), recently fetched Dh1.5 million ($408,440) in the fifth round of auctions. The ultra-white, pure Gyr garmousha falcon chick was bred by the Mark Moglich farm in the US, which specializes in high-end raptors.

Weighing 1 kilogram and measuring around 42 centimeters in both height and width, pure Gyrfalcons are recognized by their distinctive white plumage and exceptional physical traits. Adihex's managing director, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, highlighted the global significance of the auction and Abu Dhabi's role as a center for falconry, ensuring the preservation of Emirati heritage for future generations.

This year's exhibition showcased 55 leading domestic and international falcon-breeding farms. The sale of the white Gyrfalcon followed a previous high-profile purchase: Bahraini falconer Salman Albalooshi acquired a 2kg pure Gyrfalcon for Dh255,000 at Adnec. Known for their hunting prowess and rarity, Gyrfalcons command high prices both in auctions and private transactions.

Their superior physical attributes, including speed, precision, size, and heat tolerance, make them highly desirable among hunters. The most expensive pure mottled Gyrfalcon sold at auction in 2021 reached $467,000 at the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Riyadh.