Pigeons auctioned for $1.8 million

BRUSSELS, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Organizers of an auction in Belgium said a flock of racing pigeons sold for $1.8 million while another pigeon sold by itself for $200,000.

The Daily Telegraph reported the $1.8 million price for the flock set a world record for an auction involving Belgian racing pigeons.

The $200,000 bird was purchased by a wealthy Chinese buyer, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Belgian pigeons are highly prized by those who race the birds. The sport involves releasing the pigeons hundreds of miles from their homes and the first to arrive back at the loft is declared the winner.