Canaries are small songbirds that are known for their beautiful songs and bright yellow plumage. They are popular as pets due to their lively, friendly personalities and melodious voices. Canaries originally came from the Canary Islands, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. They get their name from the Canary Islands, which were named after dogs, not the birds! “Canary” comes from the Latin name for the islands, Insula Canaria, meaning “Island of Dogs.” The birds themselves were named after the islands, not vice versa. Over many centuries, canaries were bred into the varieties we know today and spread across the world as sought-after cage birds. Here’s an overview of these popular little pets.
Natural History of Canaries
Canaries belong to the finch family (Fringillidae). The wild ancestors of domestic canaries lived on the Canary Islands, Madeira and Azores. There are five species of wild canary still found in these areas today:
- Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria) – the most widespread and common, occurring on the Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands
- Tenerife Goldcrest (Regulus teneriffae) – found only on Tenerife Island
- Tenerife Kinglet (Regulus regulus ellenthalerae) – occurs on La Palma and El Hierro Islands
- Azure-winged Magpie (Cyanopica cyanus) – native to Madeira Island
- Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae) – occurs only on Laurel forests on Tenerife Island
The Atlantic canary is the wild ancestor of domestic canaries. It is greenish-yellow overall with brown streaking on the back and wings. The males have a brighter yellow belly. Wild Atlantic canaries measure 4.7 to 5.5 inches on average and weigh about 0.6 to 0.9 ounces. They eat mainly insects, seeds and berries. Flocks forage on the ground but roost in trees and bushes. They form pairs during the breeding season and build cup-shaped nests out of moss, feathers and plant fibers. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which hatch after 13-14 days.
Domestication of Canaries
The yellow Atlantic canary was brought to Europe sometime around the 1400s. Spanish sailors transported them from the Canary Islands to mainland Europe. Their captivating songs and bright colors made them popular as cage birds, especially among royalty and the elite. Monks on Madeira and the Canary Islands started breeding canaries selectively, establishing the foundation for domestic breeds.
Through selective breeding over many generations, a wide variety of canary breeds emerged. These include:
- Type canaries – known for their shape and conformation
- Song canaries – bred for their beautiful, melodious songs
- Color canaries – selectively bred for their vibrant plumage colors and patterns
- Posture canaries – exhibiting upright stances and proud carriage
Some popular breeds today include the American Singer, German Roller, Lizard, Red Factor, Gloster and English Budgerigar (exhibition birds). Different breeds have distinctive songs, body types, feather colors and more. But their ancestry can all be traced back to the wild Atlantic canary.
Biology of Canaries
Here are some key facts about canary biology and physiology:
Size and Appearance
Canaries range from 3.5 to 5 inches long. They weigh .6 to 1.5 oz on average. Wild-type canaries are yellow with brown streaking. Through selective breeding, canaries now come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. Their beaks are short, pointed and cone-shaped.
Habitat
Wild canaries inhabit forests, brush and scrubland. Domestic canaries are bred in captivity and live in cages or aviaries as pets.
Diet
- Wild canaries eat mainly insects, seeds and berries.
- Pet canaries eat fortified seed mixes and pellets. They also enjoy greens, fruits, veggies, sprouted seeds and egg food.
Behavior
Canaries are known for their melodious songs and vocal abilities. They can learn and mimic other sounds. Canaries form strong social bonds with human owners. They are active, playful and cheerful. Some breeds are territorial and aggressive towards other males.
Reproduction
Canaries reach sexual maturity at 6-12 months old. The breeding season is stimulated by increasing daylight hours. Females usually have 2-3 clutches per year with 3-5 eggs per clutch. The eggs hatch in 13-14 days. Chicks fledge at 3-4 weeks old.
Lifespan
Well cared for pet canaries can live 5-15 years in captivity. Their average lifespan is 10-12 years.
Communication
Canaries communicate mainly through vocalizations and song. Male canaries sing to attract mates and defend territories. Different breeds have distinctive song patterns. Canaries also use chirps and calls to interact and bond with humans.
Diseases
Common canary diseases include:
- Air sac mites
- Avarian cancer
- Goiter
- Respiratory infections
- Feather cysts and disorders
- Atherosclerosis
With proper care, nutrition and vet checks, most pet canaries live long, healthy lives. Quarantining new birds helps prevent disease transmission.
Canary Varieties
There are hundreds of fascinating canary breeds to explore. Here are some of the most popular types:
American Singer Canary
Known for their exceptional singing voices and range of song notes. Their songs include whistles, warbles, trills and pure melodious tones. This is one of the most prized canary breeds for its stunning musical abilities.
Border Canary
A lively singing canary originally from Great Britain. They are active and vigorous singers. Border canaries have thickset bodies and longer tails. Their color ranges from yellow to orange-yellow.
Fife Canary
This Scottish breed has a round, bullfinch-like shape. Their bodies are large with big heads and short, thick necks. Fife canaries are good-natured and have a clear, rapid song. They come in yellow, buff, variegated and white colors.
Gloster Canary
A British canary bred for a round, compact shape with a broad head, hunched shoulders and short tail. Gloster canaries are bred in many color types including yellow, green, blue, cinnamon and variegated.
Lizard Canary
Notable for the corkscrew feather formations on their heads. Their feathers twist and curl into crests and tufts on the head, neck and wings. Lizard canaries have zig-zag patterns and mottled coloring.
Red Factor Canary
Intensely bred for their red factor, an orange/red pigment. Red factor canaries have orange, pink or deep red plumage. The amount of red varies among birds. Popular red factor breeds include the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Rochdale.
Roller Canary
This German breed was selectively bred for a roller-skating song display. Males sing while skating backwards across their perch in a rolling, high-energy routine. Their song is broken, varied and high-pitched.
Spanish Timbrado Canary
This breed has a medium build, melodious voice and impressive range of songs and tones. They are one of the most sought-after canary breeds. Spanish Timbrado canaries have great variation in song and come in colors like yellow, white, variegated, orange and green.
Type Canaries (Gibber Italicus)
Bred solely for their visual appeal and shape. Type canaries have a smooth, round outline with large shoulders and chest, well-rounded head and high held tail. They are bred in many colors including yellow, white, buff, red and variegated. Type canaries have lost the ability to sing well through selective breeding.
This is just a sample of the myriad canary breeds with different shapes, colors, songs and traits developed by breeders across the world. There are many rarer specialty breeds to discover beyond these popular varieties.
Canary Care Basics
Here is an overview of some key aspects of proper canary care:
Housing
The appropriate housing depends on number of birds:
- Single canary – Cage size of 18″W x 18″D x 14″H minimum
- Pair of canaries – Cage size of 20″W x 15″D x 15″H minimum
- Avian vet recommended size is 24″W x 16″D x 14″H minimum for a single canary
Bigger is always better. Ensure the bar spacing is less than 1/2″ apart so birds cannot squeeze out. Place the cage out of direct drafts and sunlight.
Temperature
Ideal temperature is 65-75°F. Avoid exposing canaries to temperatures over 80°F or below 50°F.
Lighting
Canaries need 8-10 hours of darkness each night to stay healthy. They can be covered with a cage cover at night.
Diet
Feed a quality pelleted diet formulated for canaries. Supplement with fortified seeds, vegetables, fruits and greens daily. Provide clean drinking water at all times.
Grooming
Trim overgrown nails as needed. Providing a cuttlebone helps wear down beaks and nails naturally. Bathe occasionally with a gentle avian wash.
Social
Canaries are highly social and do better with companions. A mirrored toy can also provide enrichment. Spend time interacting with pet canaries daily.
Veterinary Care
Schedule annual checkups with an avian vet. Seek prompt care for any signs of illness or injury. Common issues include respiratory infections, obesity, tumors and mites.
With proper care, a balanced diet, large housing and veterinary attention, canaries make lively, long-lived and rewarding companion pets. Their small size, beautiful songs and bright colors have captivated people for centuries!
Canary Breed | Origin | Size | Color | Traits |
---|---|---|---|---|
American Singer | United States | 4-5 inches | Yellow, white | Prized for impressive song range |
Border Canary | England | 4.5-5 inches | Yellow, orange | Energetic song, thickset body |
Fife Canary | Scotland | Up to 5 inches | Yellow, white, buff | Large, bullfinch-shaped body |
Gloster Canary | England | 4-4.5 inches | Yellow, green, blue | Compact, round shape |
Lizard Canary | Belgium | 4-5 inches | Mottled | Corkscrew curled feathers |
Conclusion
Canaries are among the most popular and beloved cage birds in the world. Originating from the Canary Islands, these lively little songbirds come in a rainbow of colors and breeds today. With their beautiful songs, friendly personalities and bright plumage, canaries continue to captivate pet owners globally. They require sizable cages, balanced diets, social interaction and specialized veterinary care to thrive. With proper husbandry, these active, vocal birds make engaging and long-lived companion pets. The canary’s rich history and variety of breeds offer fascinating areas to explore for any avian enthusiast. Their vibrant energy and songs bring joy to homes worldwide.