What is a Canary?

A canary is a domesticated songbird famous for producing complex and often pleasing trilling songs. Typically, only males sing, although hens have been known to produce songs, and the genetics of a hen play a role in the quality of song produced by her offspring, even if she does not sing herself. They can be found in homes all over the world, and in a few regions, the birds have escaped to form feral colonies.

These birds are in the finch family, and they are a domesticated form of the wild canary, a song bird that was first discovered on the Canary Islands in the 1600s. Sailors started to tame the birds and keep them as pets, and when they were introduced to the mainland, they proved to be a big hit. Initially, the birds were rare and extremely expensive, because breeders only sold males, but once females became more widely available, they became much more accessible, although they continued to be especially popular among the nobility, as numerous portraits from the 1600s attest.

Canaries are divided into categories based on their song, type, and color. Song birds are split into rollers and choppers. Rollers sing with their beaks shut, producing a melodious extended trill, while choppers have more abrupt songs, created with their beaks open. Canaries bred for a specific type display various physical traits, while color ones are bred for unusual color variations. Beyond the classic yellow, canaries can be orange, white, greenish, brown, red, and striped, with unusually colored birds often commanding a high price.

The birds proved to be hardy after domestication, living up to 15 years in captivity, and they also breed readily, making it easy to maintain stocks and to breed for especially desirable traits. The modern domesticated canary is markedly different from its wild ancestor, with domestic birds tending to be larger, and producing much more beautiful songs, as well as coming in a range of colors. Many people enjoy keeping them, appreciating their sweet songs and cheerful demeanors.

As a general rule, it is best to keep at least two canaries, if not a group. A lone bird will not always sing, because he has no incentive to do so, since there are no females around. A group, on the other hand, will be quite vocal, producing a wide assortment of songs and displaying a range of personality types. Many pet stores sell these birds, along with supplies like cages, seed, and toys.

Canaries are small, vibrant songbirds belonging to the finch family, originating from the Macaronesian Islands, including the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira. Their name is derived from the Canary Islands. These birds have been bred in captivity since the 17th century, leading to various breeds with different colors and song patterns.

There are three primary types of canaries: Colorbred Canaries, bred for their wide range of colors; Type Canaries, bred for their shape and size; and Song Canaries, bred for their unique and melodious songs. Each type has been selectively bred for specific traits, resulting in a diverse spectrum of canaries that appeal to bird enthusiasts worldwide.

Canaries have an average lifespan of 10 years, though with proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Factors influencing their longevity include genetics, diet, exercise, and overall quality of care. Providing a spacious cage, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups can contribute to a canary's healthy and extended life.

Canaries thrive on a diet consisting of canary seed, fresh fruits, and vegetables, supplemented with occasional protein sources like hard-boiled eggs. It's important to provide a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet. Fresh water should always be available, and food should be offered in clean feeders to prevent contamination and illness.

Canaries are considered excellent pets for beginners due to their relatively simple care requirements and small size. They are generally low-maintenance, do not require social interaction like some other pet birds, and can be quite content when provided with a suitable environment, making them ideal for first-time bird owners.

Male and female canaries can be distinguished by their behavior and physical characteristics. Males are typically more vibrant in color and are the only ones who sing full songs, especially during breeding season. Females may chirp or sing briefly but do not produce the complex tunes that males do. During breeding season, females may also show nesting behavior.