A feather from an extinct New Zealand bird has been sold for a record price to an undisclosed buyer at an auction in Auckland.
A single feather from a huia—an extinct New Zealand bird known for its highly prized plumage—has fetched $46,521 (US$28,365), making it the most expensive feather ever sold at auction.
Weighing approximately 9 grams, the feather’s value comes to $5,169 per gram, compared to $127 for a similar weight of gold.
The previous record for a huia feather sale was set in 2010 at $8,400. This recent sale far exceeded expectations, with an estimated price range of $2,000 to $3,000.
In a separate auction last year in Britain, a pair of stuffed huia birds sold for $466,000, despite calls for their return to New Zealand.
The feather is classified as a taonga tūturu (authentic treasure) by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, meaning it can only be purchased by registered collectors of such items and cannot leave New Zealand without permission.
The huia bird, which was the largest of five wattlebird species in New Zealand, had distinct features such as orange wattles on its beak and long tail feathers with a black and white tip.
Named by the Māori people after its unique call, the huia was last spotted in 1907 and likely became extinct in the 1920s due to hunting by both Māori and European settlers.
The bird’s tail feathers were highly sought after for clothing and decorations, especially among chiefs and high-ranking individuals. Demand for these feathers increased after the Duke of York sported one during a visit to New Zealand in 1901.
The high price of the recently sold feather can be attributed to its excellent condition, as it was well-preserved with archival paper and UV glass.
Details about the feather’s origin and the identities of the vendor and buyer remain confidential, as they are registered collectors in New Zealand.
While approximately 30 people attended the auction, all bids were placed via phone or online, with no international bidders participating.
After the final bid was accepted, there was applause in the room, reflecting the significance of this sale in the world of collectors and enthusiasts.
