RIYADH — The most expensive Gyrfalcon was sold, Sunday, on the last day of the International Falcon Breeders Auction (IFBA), organized by the Saudi Falcon Club (SFC) at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The falcon was sold to a lucky falconer for $466,667 (SR1,750,000).

The falcon is a Gyr Qarmousha Falcon “Falco Rusticolus“(Ultra White) Farkh (under one year old) from the American "Pacific Northwest Falcons" farm, the best international breeding farm. The American falcon is 16.5 inches long and wide, and weighs 980 grams.

The competitive bidding, which was broadcast live on television and livestreamed on social media platforms, lasted for a long time. Bidders competed over this falcon because it was the world’s foremost of its kind to be offered in an auction.

IFBA started on Aug. 5 and witnessed record sales. One of them was selling a rare beauty Canadian falcon for $66,676 (SR350,000). The participating international breeding farms, coming from 14 different countries, exhibited some of the most elite falcons, and it was met with a very good response and attendance from Saudi and regional falconers. — SPA