The world’s most expensive feather belongs to the extinct Huia bird.

In an extraordinary event, a rare feather from the extinct Huia bird, native to New Zealand, was sold at a public auction for 46,000 New Zealand dollars (about 30,000 US dollars), making it the most expensive feather in the world.

The Huia bird, which lived in the forests of New Zealand’s North Island, became extinct in the early 20th century due to overhunting and habitat loss.

This feather, weighing only 9 grams, was expected to fetch up to 3,000 dollars at the auction organized by Webb’s Auction House in Auckland, but high demand from collectors and its cultural significance drove the price to a record level.

The feather is in excellent condition, retaining its rich brown colors and sparkling sheen without any signs of damage or insect harm, a very rare feature in such historical pieces.

Leah Morris, head of decorative arts at Webb’s Auction House, told The Guardian: “The Huia bird holds a symbolic place in New Zealand, and this feather is perfect in terms of preserving its quality and natural colors. Many people feel emotionally connected to this bird because of its history and cultural importance.”

The Huia feather holds special value for the Maori people, the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand, as chiefs and leaders wore them as head ornaments during official ceremonies, reflecting their social and spiritual status.

The feather is distinguished by its unique colors, combining dark brown with white tips, making it a symbol of dignity and beauty in Maori culture. With the bird’s extinction, these feathers have become exceptionally valuable, both historically and due to their rarity.

According to reports from Webb’s Auction House, the auction saw fierce competition among collectors from inside and outside New Zealand, reflecting global interest in artifacts linked to natural and cultural heritage.

Morris noted that the sold feather was part of a private collection and had been kept in ideal conditions for decades, helping preserve its original state. She added that this type of feather is considered a national treasure, seen as a symbol of New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.

Historically, the Huia bird was known for its unique appearance and social behavior, with males and females differing notably in beak shape, making it a subject of admiration and study.

With the arrival of European settlers, increased demand for Huia feathers for fashion and collecting rapidly depleted their numbers, and by 1907, the last confirmed sighting of the Huia in the wild was recorded, making any remaining pieces like feathers exceptionally valuable.

This sale sparked discussions about the importance of preserving natural and cultural heritage, with environmental activists calling for increased awareness to protect endangered species in New Zealand and beyond.

The auction house also confirmed its commitment to handling such items responsibly, respecting the cultural significance to the Maori people. This auction serves as a reminder of the value of natural heritage and highlights the role artifacts play in preserving the memory of extinct species.