CANARY

*Canary (_Serinus canaria_) – The Melodious Songbird of the Atlantic Islands

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Introduction
The *_Canary (_Serinus canaria__) is a small, bright‑toned finch best known for its *rich, varied song* and long history of domestication. Wild populations inhabit the *Macaronesian islands* (Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores), while domestic varieties have spread worldwide as pets and show birds, celebrated for color, temperament, and vocal ability.

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Taxonomy & Naming
- *Scientific name:* _Serinus canaria_ (Linnaeus, 1758)
- *Family:* Fringillidae (Finches)
- *Genus:* _Serinus_ – a group of small Old‑World serins.
- *Origin of name:*
- *Canary:* From the *Canary Islands*, where Spanish explorers first encountered them (Latin _Insulae Canariae_ – “Islands of Dogs”, later linked to the bird).
- *Domestic forms:* Often listed as _Serinus canaria domestica_.

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Description
Wild Type
- *Size:* 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in) length.
- *Weight:* 15–20 g (0.5–0.7 oz).
- *Plumage:* Dull greenish‑yellow with faint streaks on back, yellow underparts, grayish head.
- *Bill:* Short, conical, adapted for seeds.

Domestic Varieties (selected)
- *Colors:* Yellow (classic), white, orange, red (feather‑dye or selective breeding), variegated (mottled).
- *Morphs:*
- *Gloster Canary:* Small, round, crested (“corona”).
- *Yorkshire Canary:* Tall (up to 17 cm), upright posture.
- *Fife Fancy:* Compact, sleek, bright yellow.
- *Border Canary:* Medium size, good songster.
- *Song Types:*
- *Roller (German Roller):* Continuous, rolling trills.
- *American Singer:* Strong, melodic phrases.
- *Spanish Timbrado:* Fast, metallic notes.

- *Sexual dimorphism:* Males brighter, larger, and sing more vigorously; females duller and quieter.

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Habitat & Distribution
- *Native range:* *Macaronesian archipelagos* – Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores (Portugal/Spain).
- *Habitat:* Open woodlands, scrub, gardens, vineyards, and cultivated fields from sea level to 1,500 m.
- *Introduced/Feral:* Small populations in *Hawaii*, *California*, and parts of *Australia* (escaped cage birds).
- *Domestic:* Worldwide as household pets; no true wild distribution outside native islands.

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Behaviour & Ecology
Diet
- *Wild:* Seeds of grasses, herbs, and shrubs; also small insects and berries during breeding.
- *Captive:* Commercial seed mix (millet, canary seed), supplemented with greens (spinach, dandelion), egg food (protein) for breeding, and fresh water daily.

Foraging
- Glean seeds from ground or low vegetation; hops actively on branches.

Song & Communication
- *Male song:* Complex, learned repertoire; functions in territory defense and attracting mates.
- *Calls:* Short “tsee-tsee” contact notes; alarm chirps.

Breeding (Wild)
- *Season:* March–July (aligned with rainy period).
- *Nest:* Small cup of twigs, grass, moss, lined with feathers, built in dense shrub or tree fork (2–4 m high).
- *Clutch:* 3–5 eggs, white with faint brown speckles.
- *Incubation:* 13–14 days (female).
- *Fledging:* 14–17 days after hatch; both parents feed.

Social Structure
- *Gregarious outside breeding:* Form small flocks (10–30) in winter.
- *Territorial during nesting:* Male defends small area around nest.

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Conservation Status
- *IUCN Red List:* *Least Concern (2023)* – wild populations stable on native islands.
- *Threats:* Habitat alteration (agriculture, tourism), invasive species (rats, cats).
- *Domestic strains:* No conservation risk; many hobbyist clubs maintain breed standards.

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Interesting Facts
- *Historical use:* 17th‑century miners carried caged canaries to detect *carbon monoxide*—the birds would faint before humans felt danger.
- *Song learning:* Similar to nightingales; juveniles must hear adult song during a critical period (first 2 months) to develop full repertoire.
- *Color genetics:* Yellow pigment (lutein) from diet; breeders add carotenoid‑rich foods (paprika, marigold petals) to deepen red/oran