JEDDAH: The Haraj Bird Market in the south of Jeddah hosts a lively, weekly public auction every Friday afternoon for amateurs, hobbyists and bird enthusiasts who make their way to buy, sell and admire a variety of bird species.
The auction features a wide variety of birds, from colorful ornamental birds to domestic birds such as budgies, lovebirds, canaries, cockatiels, rose-ringed parakeets and various types of parrots, in addition to poultry and pigeons.
In one corner of the market, a group of people quickly gather around an energetic and experienced auctioneer known as “Uncle Matar.” Sellers carefully place birds of different species in cages next to the auctioneer after which buyers examine the birds’ appearance, health and pedigree before placing their bids.
Once the auction begins, the auctioneer, “Uncle Matar,” displays the birds one after the other on the table in front of him and accepts bids starting from as low as SR100 ($26), until the owner of the bird agrees on the highest bid. If the owner agrees the buyer pays and leaves with his purchase, and the auctioneer gets 10 percent from the sale.
If the auctioneer does not get a bid for the bird, the bird owner then has to remove his cages from the display.
Mahmoud Halwani, who brought his two African Grey parrots, which are widely considered as the best talking parrots, removed them from the auction after he failed to sell each for SR2,500.
Speaking to Arab News while leaving the auction, he said: “The highest bid was SR2,000 and the auctioneer tried to convince me to sell for SR2,000 but I refused. My parrot is worth more than what they offered me.”
He added that there are many types of parrots, including African, Brazilian and Belgian, and their prices range between SR3,000-SR16,000 and often more depending on the bird’s shape, size and age.
“The bird’s ability to speak and the fact that some birds memorize many prayers and songs may be a major factor in raising the value of the bird,” he said.
As the afternoon progresses, dozens of birds find new owners, and the excitement continues until the final cages are sold.
The Friday auction offers a fascinating glimpse into a community united by a shared passion for birds.
Youssef Mohammed, a bird enthusiast and collector who was witnessed bidding, told Arab News that he visits the market weekly to stay informed about new bird species, whether parrots, lovebirds (as he calls them), or other types, adding that prices vary from season to season and are affected by supply and demand.
“I come to the auction every Friday because I love birds. Sometimes, I come to see what is new and other times I come to buy new birds. This time, I am here to buy a gray or black color, and red tail African parrot. I know it is an expensive parrot with its prices ranging from SR1,300 to SR4,500 depending on its age and capability to talk.”
Direct deals are also made between buyers and sellers without the presence or need of an auctioneer.
One of the sellers at the market was Hameed Al-Wadaani, who, along with his daughter, were selling popular colorful green parakeets for about SR800, and lovebirds for between SR350-SR500.
“They are popular with many visitors and are in high demand. They are distinguished by their captivating colors. Most owners display them prominently in their homes or entrances,” he said.
Some birds are purchased by experienced breeders, while others are bought by first-time hobbyists eager to begin a new passion.
