A Belgian pigeon, named Armando, is considered the "best Belgian long-distance pigeon of all time", according to auction house PIPA. The champion pigeon, also described as the "Lewis Hamilton of pigeons", has been sold for a record US$ 1.4 million to an unidentified Chinese buyer. The PIPA website added that "this type of champion is rarely offered for sale."
Armando's last owner, Belgian pigeon breeder Joel Vesrchoot, put a total of 178 pigeons for sale at the auction, including seven of Armando's offspring, earning over US$ 2.5 million. The pigeon, who will become five years old this year, is now enjoying his retirement having fathered many chicks already.
The bidding battle for the prized pigeon spanned for numerous hours, as the price shot up from around US$ 600,000 to US$ 1.4 million in just an hour or so, PIPA said. However, two Chinese enthusiasts kept outbidding each other, until it was sold for more than a million dollars.
Armando is said to have remarkable wing strength and an exceptional sense of direction, according to media reports. While the bird may now choose to settle in for a quiet life, it's possible that his new owners will breed him and race his children too.