Owls are fascinating nocturnal birds of prey that come in many different species. While most owl species are relatively affordable for pet owners or zoos to acquire and care for, some of the larger and more exotic owl species can be quite pricey. When it comes to the most expensive owls in the world, several factors contribute to their high price tags including rarity, wild origin, breeding difficulties, and extra care requirements.
Snowy Owl
One of the most expensive owls is the stunning snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus). These large white owls with contrasting black markings breed in the Arctic regions of North America and Eurasia. Due to their remote northern habitats, snowy owls are difficult to source for zoos and bird collections. The costs of expeditions to acquire wild-caught snowy owls are passed onto the buyer. Captive breeding of snowy owls is also challenging, limiting supply.
Snowy owls are sought after for their beautiful plumage and wild origins. A captive bred snowy owl can cost $5,000 to $10,000 USD. But wild caught snowy owls are even more expensive, with reported prices from $10,000 to $15,000 USD.
Great Gray Owl
Another very expensive owl species is the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa). These are the tallest owls in North America, with impressive large facial disks and textured plumage. Like snowy owls, great gray owls come from remote northern forest regions in North America and Eurasia.
Due to difficulties finding and capturing wild great gray owls, combined with challenges of breeding them in captivity, great gray owls command a high price. Captive bred birds can sell for $5,000 to $10,000 USD. Wild caught great gray owls are even more expensive at $10,000 to $12,000 USD.
Blakiston’s Fish Owl
One of the rarest and most sought after owls is Blakiston’s fish owl (Bubo blakistoni). This endangered and elusive giant owl resides in remote forested areas of Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. Blakiston’s fish owls have a wingspan approaching 2 meters, making them a highly impressive zoo exhibit.
However, Blakiston’s fish owls are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity. Zoos must acquire wild-caught birds at great expense, with each owl selling for $20,000 to $60,000 USD. Only a few zoos and aviaries worldwide have been successful at breeding Blakiston’s fish owls, Fetching extremely high prices from $50,000 to $100,000 for a single chick.
Philippine Eagle Owl
Another of the most expensive owls is the Philippine eagle owl (Bubo philippensis), also called the Luzon horned owl. As its name suggests, this impressive bird comes from the Philippines. Philippine eagle owls have distinctive ear tufts, bright yellow eyes, and mottled brown plumage.
Like many exotic owl species, Philippine eagle owls are hard to find in the wild and tricky to breed in captivity. Owlets can demand $10,000 to $15,000 USD each. Pairs have sold for up to $75,000. The difficulty in acquiring Philippine eagle owls places them among the most expensive owls in the world.
Eurasian Eagle Owl
The Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) is a very large and powerful owl species found across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. While not as rare as some other expensive owls, the Eurasian eagle owl makes this list thanks to its considerable care requirements.
Eurasian eagle owls are popular zoo exhibits, but require large aviaries and lots of food. Mice alone can cost thousands of dollars per year. The substantial space, dietary, and medical needs of Eurasian eagle owls command prices from $5,000 to $10,000 USD for captive bred birds.
Ural Owl
The Ural owl (Strix uralensis) is a Russian species valued for its attractive plumage and fierce predatory skills. Ural owls feed on large prey including hares, grouse, and squirrels. Their wingspan can reach up to 1.5 meters.
Due to restrictions on export of wild Ural owls, as well as breeding challenges, Ural owls are seldom seen outside Russia and command steep prices. Captive bred birds can sell for $5,000 to $10,000. Wild exports may cost up to $15,000.
Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) is a powerful and adaptable native owl found across North and South America. While common in the wild, their excellent hunting abilities make them popular but expensive for falconry.
Great horned owls are illegal to keep as pets. But falconers can obtain special permits for using them in hunting sports. Due to paperwork and regulations around ownership, trained great horned owls sell for $5,000 to $10,000 USD.
Other Expensive Owls
While the above represent some of the most expensive owl species, many other rare or challenging to breed owls also command high prices including:
- Powerful owl ($5,000-$10,000)
- Vermiculated fishing owl ($5,000-$10,000)
- Boreal owl ($5,000-$8,000)
- Spotted owl ($5,000-$7,000)
What Makes Owls So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to some owl species having such lofty price tags compared to more common pet or farm owl species that may sell for under $100.
Reasons these owls are so expensive include:
- Exotic and wild origins – Sourced from remote forests and mountain regions.
- Rarity – Low population numbers and sparse distributions.
- Regulations – Export and ownership permits raise costs.
- Breeding difficulties – Do not readily breed in captivity.
- Care requirements – Large enclosures and food sources needed.
- Collectability – Prestige of owning rare species.
Most Expensive Owl Sale Prices
Some record sale prices for extravagantly expensive owls have topped $100,000 USD. Here are some examples of notably expensive owls that have been sold:
| Owl Species | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| Blakiston’s Fish Owl | $100,000 |
| Philippine Eagle Owl | $75,000 |
| Snowy Owl | $27,500 |
| Great Gray Owl | $20,000 |
These record sale prices exemplify how much some collectors are willing to pay for rare and exotic owl species, especially wild-caught birds and first generation captive bred offspring.
Reasons for Owls’ High Prices
Why do some owls command such astronomical price tags? Here are some of the main reasons these birds are so valuable:
- Wild caught – High expense of expeditions to source wild owls.
- Rarity – Low populations and limited availability.
- Regulated – Permits and paperwork limit access.
- Breeding – Difficulty breeding in captivity maintains small supply.
- Prestige – Status symbol of owning rare and prized birds.
- Care – Costly enclosures and dietary needs.
- Collectability – Museums, zoos and private collectors seek exotic owl species.
The combination of rarity, regulations, breeding challenges, status, and care requirements put these owls out of reach for casual buyers, creating lucrative market for sought after species.
Legality of Owning Expensive Owls
Due to their high value and rarity, owning the most expensive owl species has many legal restrictions. Here are some key regulations to be aware of:
- CITES – Most exotic owls are protected under CITES treaty.
- Permits – Import and ownership permits are required.
- Breeding – Captive breeding permit needed.
- Trade – Commercial trade prohibited for wild caught owls.
- Reporting – Must report sales, breeding, deaths to authorities.
- Inspections – Habitats subject to inspection to verify compliance.
Private owners must comply with applicable national, state, and international laws when acquiring protected owl species. Legal acquisition requires substantial paperwork, oversight, and investment.
Conservation Impacts
The high value of rare owls also has conservation implications. Some impacts include:
- Incentivizes poaching of wild owls.
- Funds research and protection efforts from legal sales.
- Encourages habitat preservation for coveted species.
- Stimulates captive breeding initiatives to reduce poaching.
- Increases prestige and visibility of threatened birds.
Carefully managed legal trade and captive breeding may support conservation, while illegal wild poaching has detrimental impacts. The substantial value placed on rare owls underscores the importance of protecting their precarious forest habitats.
Owl Sanctuaries
Some zoos and aviculturists that have successfully bred expensive owl species invest profits into conservation efforts. Examples include:
- Owl Research Institute – Snowy owl research and conservation.
- Fish Owl Project – Studies Blakiston’s fish owl habitats.
- Owl Conservation – Provides rescue and adoption services.
- Owl Sanctuary – Cares for injured and abandoned owls.
These owl-focused conservation organizations contribute field research, public education, captive breeding, and rehabilitation programs funded in part through owl ownership and breeding.
Conclusions
The most expensive owls in the world range from $5,000 to over $100,000 USD. These astronomical prices result from exotic origins, rarity, breeding challenges, regulations, care requirements, and prestige of owning elite birds.
While legal acquisition supports conservation efforts, illegal poaching has detrimental impacts. Responsible breeding, trade, and habitat protection are critical for ensuring the survival of these magnificent but vulnerable species.
Owning one of the world’s most exclusive owls requires substantial wealth, resources, and dedication. But for passionate collectors and conservationists, the rewards of acquiring these avian gems outweighs the lofty costs.
