Young peregrine falcon sells for $100,000 at Saudi auction

A juvenile peregrine falcon captured near Arar sold for $100,000 at the National Center for Falcons Auction 2026, the highest price so far at this year’s event. The sale underscores the strong market for migratory falcons in Saudi Arabia and the center’s push to regulate trade through transparent auctions.

Why it matters: - The $100,000 sale shows how valuable juvenile migratory peregrine falcons can be in Saudi Arabia’s falconry market. - The auction is designed to regulate trade, support conservation and preserve falconry heritage at the same time. - The event also creates income for trappers and falconers through competitive bidding.

What happened: - A young peregrine falcon captured near Arar in northern Saudi Arabia sold for $100,000, or 375,000 Saudi riyals, at the National Center for Falcons Auction 2026. - The sale took place on the eighth night of the auction, which runs until Nov. 30. - The falcon was captured in the Umm Khunsur area. - The sale set the highest price recorded at this year’s auction so far.

The details: - The falcon measured 15.5 inches in length and 16 inches in width. - The bird weighed 1,110 grams. - Bidding started at $29,000 before climbing to the final price. - Latif Al-Anazi, one of seven trappers who captured the falcon, said the sale was rewarding for the group. - Al-Anazi said the National Center for Falcons provided transportation, accommodation and meals, and helped the trappers through the sale process. - Al-Anazi said organized auctions help birds reach market value through competitive bidding and transparent transactions. - Al-Anazi said he previously sold a young peregrine falcon for $26,500 and believed it could have fetched more at the center’s auction. - More information is available through the auction’s official website.

Between the lines: - The auction gives buyers access to live bidding while broadcasting sales on television and social media, which broadens participation. - The center’s rules limit the auction to juvenile migratory marine peregrine falcons captured within Saudi Arabia. - Adult peregrines and saker falcons are excluded to protect falcon populations and reduce pressure on the species. - The structure suggests Saudi Arabia is trying to keep a traditional market active while adding oversight and conservation guardrails.

What’s next: - The National Center for Falcons Auction 2026 continues through Nov. 30. - More sales could push this year’s top price higher as additional juvenile migratory falcons come to market. - The center will continue providing logistical support to trappers during the season. - Live auctions will keep expanding access for buyers through TV and social media broadcasts.

The bottom line: - Saudi Arabia is using a regulated auction model to turn falcon trading into a transparent, high-value market while trying to protect the species and sustain falconry traditions.