A single feather from the extinct New Zealand huia bird has set a world record, selling for $28,417 at auction.
Webb’s Auction House reported that the feather, expected to fetch up to $3,000, exceeded the previous record for a huia feather by a staggering 450%.
The last confirmed sighting of the huia was in 1907, though unconfirmed sightings continued for another 20 to 30 years, according to the Museum of New Zealand.
Expensive Than Gold
The feather weighs roughly 9 grams, which makes it more expensive than gold, the Guardian reported.
According to the latest Gold Broker figures, one gram of feather fetched $5,169 compared with $127 per gram of gold.
The Bird Got Extinct a Century Ago
The huia bird has held a special place in New Zealand’s culture, featured in songs and sayings.
The bird went extinct back in 1907 but unofficial sightings continued for decades.
The small songbird was part of New Zealand’s wattlebird family and was known for its jumping abilities and distinctive, white-tipped plumage.
