Rare Iraqi pigeons draw Gulf collectors, push prices sky-high

BASRA — Kuwaiti collector Ahmed Mohammed is traveling throughout Iraq searching for rare pigeon breeds, especially the prized Iraqi tumbler, known locally as the “Qallab.” A hobby once concentrated primarily in Basra has recently spread across Iraq, attracting pigeon enthusiasts from Gulf countries who now journey to Baghdad, Erbil and even Anbar in pursuit of exceptional birds.

In Qurna, north of Basra, the Hor Al-Saad reserve is home to 150 pigeon lofts strategically located far from residential areas to avoid disturbing residents. Breeders gather here daily, releasing pigeons into open skies, where strong air currents help demonstrate the birds’ impressive aerial skills.

“The reserve specializes in breeding high-quality tumbler pigeons, particularly the red-feathered varieties,” said Hussein Ali, a local pigeon breeder. “Most of the breeders come from Qurna, Medina, Huwair and even Al-Sadiq district.”

Ali explained the reserve’s location was chosen intentionally to provide ample open space, allowing birds to fly without obstacles. “Our lofts have gained the attention of enthusiasts inside and outside Iraq,” he said.

These rare pigeons often fetch extraordinary prices, some reaching as high as 60 million Iraqi dinars ($40,540).

“Prices depend on the bird’s skills—its wing strike and flutter technique,” Ali said. “One of our pigeons was originally valued at 20 million dinars ($13,515), but its price later soared to 60 million ($40,540).”

High-quality birds are selectively bred, with offspring sold to collectors seeking to enhance their flocks. Some Iraqi pigeons have even been exported to collectors in Gulf countries and Europe.

Ali and fellow breeders have urged the Iraqi government to allocate dedicated areas for pigeon breeding and establish an official association to support and regulate the hobby.

Mohammed, the Kuwaiti collector, emphasized Iraq’s importance in preserving and refining pigeon breeds.

“We come to Iraq, especially Basra, because it has some of the best pigeon bloodlines,” he told 964media. “We maintain strong connections with Iraqi breeders and frequently visit.”

He added that many popular pigeon breeds found today in Basra and Kuwait trace their lineage to Zubair, where Kuwaiti breeders have cultivated pigeon strains since the 1970s.

“Pigeon breeding has expanded across Iraq, from Baghdad and Ramadi to Erbil,” Mohammed said.

In Kuwait, pigeon prices vary considerably based on their distinctive traits and desirability.

“One bird was sold for 25,000 Kuwaiti dinars ($81,500),” Mohammed said.

Mohammed noted that pigeon enthusiasts from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman maintain regular communication with breeders in Iraq and Jordan, ensuring the shared passion for pigeon breeding continues to thrive.