Every Friday, the usually busy Thana Road beside the Cox’s Bazar Municipality building transforms into a vibrant bird market, fondly known among locals as the “Pigeon Bazaar.”
Here, dozens of bird lovers, breeders, and curious onlookers gather to trade and admire a dazzling variety of pigeons and pet birds.
From early morning, the air buzzes with the flutter of wings and the chatter of buyers and sellers.
The market showcases an array of local and foreign pigeon breeds, including Chinese, Lahori, Jacobin, and Fantail. Prices vary depending on species, color, and rarity, ranging from Tk 500 to as high as Tk 5,000 per pair.
Traders and enthusiasts from across the region, including Chakaria, Pekua, Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar Sadar, and even Lama and Alikadam in Bandarban, bring their prized birds to sell.
By evening, transactions worth several lakh taka often take place. Popular choices among buyers include the elegant Mayurpankhi, Golden Sweet, and Racing pigeons.
A visit to the market on Friday afternoon revealed a delightful sight: more than 30 breeds of pigeons and various pet birds, including Mayurpankhi, Budgerigar, King, Potter, Mukki, Soichandan, Golden Sweet, Bukhari, Beauty Buzzer, Jalali, and Siraji pigeons.
Vendors said that some breeds fetch notably high prices. Potter pigeons sell for Tk 5,000–6,000 per pair, Kings for Tk 6,000–7,000, Golden Sweets for Tk 2,000–3,000, while Racing, Fancy, Giribaz, and Sorting pigeons range from Tk 4,000–6,000. Among other birds, Lovebirds sell for Tk 1,500–2,000 a pair, while Black Doves, Diamond Doves, Quails, and Turkeys go for Tk 600–1,200.
For many, the market is more than just a trading spot—it’s a community gathering for pigeon lovers.
Amid the fluttering wings and colorful feathers, Cox’s Bazar’s Friday bird market continues to celebrate the city’s growing fascination with avian beauty and hobby breeding.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
